Safe Selections

Safes come in many different sizes and design but all basically fall into one of four main categories:

• Burglary Safes
• Fire Safes
• Burglary/Fire Safes
• Data Safes

Burglary Safe - is designed primarily to protect the contents against theft and will generally offer little or no protection against the damage of contents by fire or other risks.

Fire Safe - is basically designed to protect contents (primarily papers) against fire damage and typically offer only a minimal level of security. Fire safes are tested and rated in respect of their performance in the event of a fire.

Test criteria will include the length of time (normally specified as minutes - 30, 60, 90 or 120), in a fire of a specified temperature, that the safe can maintain an internal temperature of below 200 degrees C(395 degrees F), the point at which documents will be destroyed.

Burglary/Fire Safe - These are generally multi-purpose safes and offer good security against forced entry as well as protection from fire.

Data Safe - is similar to a fire safe but to be effective must,in the event of a fire, maintain a much lower internal temperature than a fire safe (less than 52 degrees C (125 degrees F)--the point at which data media is destroyed) and also protect against other hazards such as high humidity, electro magnetic contamination, etc. Test ratings are applied in a similar way to those for fire safes however for a data safe, much more demanding.

So if you are thinking about purchasing a safe for any reason, call us at 860-464-8664 or email us at aalk@aol.com so we can provide you with the information to make an intelligent choice and acquire the safe that meets your needs, both at your office and at your home.

Keyless Entry Systems: Pushbutton Locks

The most basic type of "keyless entry" are pushbutton locks. These come in both residential and commercial grades and span a large price range. Commercial (ANSI Grade 1) locks are rated for much higher usage and longevity while residential grade locks are more suited to the level of usage expected of a household. Quality difference is reflected in pricing. There are mechanical and electronic versions of both grades. Most have a key override as a backup in case of failure.

All pushbutton locks offer users the following:

• Protection against "key bumping" (a common lock bypass method) and lock pick attacks.
• No fumbling for keys.
• Not getting accidentally locked out of the house.
• No lost keys, and having to change the locks when keys are lost.
• Allowing guests and service people access, without fear of them making unauthorized duplicate keys.

Mechanical locks do not require batteries but are usually limited to a single pass code or combination. These locks are usually on the lower end of the price spectrum.

Electronic locks require power (usually batteries) but offer much more security possibilities including multiple pass codes, audit trails, one time usage codes and time zones. Many electronic locks can be programmed by software on a computer and the information uploaded and downloaded by various methods including the newest wireless networks.

So, the next time you need to replace or repair a lock, consider the advantages of a keyless entry lock and call our office for advice as to the best product for your application.

Lock Boxes

If you often need keys for items outside your home, such as lawn equipment keys, spare car keys, etc., purchase a lock box with a push button combination and mount it on the exterior of an outbuilding, under cover. This way when you are working outside, you can access the spare keys and save a lot of steps. Dave and Deb personally have a couple of these lockboxes for car keys, etc., and are in and out of them all the time. Neither one of us has the right key on us for the right vehicle!

Also keep all ladders, building supplies and tools, and garbage cans locked up and out of view, so you don't provide an intruder with the means to break into your home or business.

Prevent Lock Damage

We have all done it...inserted the key into the lock, and with arms full of stuff, pulled open the door with the key in the cylinder. Resist the temptation~put down your stuff and open the door the right way. If you do pull open the door with the key, it puts unwanted stress on the pins and can cause lock failure

 

Cold Weather Tips

Save yourself some hassles and "winterize" any lock cylinders that are exposed to the weather at your home or business. Take a few minutes and lubricate your locks with a moisture displacing spray lubricant containing silicone or Teflon. If possible, avoid petroleum based products like WD40, as they tend to build up and attract dust and dirt. While there are plenty of good quality lubricants on the market, we at AA Lock & Key recommend GT85 which we just happen to sell at our office. Stop in and pick up a can!

Although we no longer offer automotive lock services, we can suggest an option if your vehicle door lock is frozen after a driving rain or sleet. Heat the key with a hair dryer, torch or similar heating device. Hold the key with pliers and apply heat. The key should insert easily after a few tries.

What is the Difference Between a Single and a Double Deadbolt?

A deadbolt on your home or business adds additional security to your door, by throwing a bolt into the frame of the door. A single deadbolt uses a key on the outside and has a turn knob on the inside. A double deadbolt uses a key on both the outside and the inside. A double deadbolt should be considered if there is glass around the door that could be broken to reach in and turn the inside of the lock. Some commercial applications cannot include double deadbolts, due to fire and safety codes. When making the final decision about selecting single vs double, it should be considered that in an emergency a key is placed nearby so those inside can get out safely. It also should be noted that leaving a key in a double deadbolt on the inside would be the same as having a single deadbolt. Call us at 860-464-8664 or email us for information on our full range of deadbolts.

Could your locks be making you sick?

With the threat of the H1N1 virus, did you know that some bacteria and viruses can live 2 hours or longer on these surfaces? Be sure to frequently clean all commonly touched surfaces in the workplace, such as knobs, levers, crash bars, work stations, phones and desk tops. Use cleaning agents that are usually used in these areas and follow the directions on the label. Remember, frequently wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based antibacterial hand sanitizer.

One of our readers wrote in asking for information about locks with an antimicrobial shield. Sargent's Microshield is a solution. Call or email us for additional information.

What is a Knox Box and do I need one?

If you are a commercial business owner or a tenant, you can avoid a lot of unnecessary damage to your locks and doors should emergency services be needed to gain access after hours by installing a "Knox" box. Most Fire Departments offer some type of service like this. "Knox" is the most popular brand. A sturdy metal box is attached or built into the building in the area of the main entrance. You put the keys or access credentials that open as many doors as possible in this box. This box can only be opened by a High Security Key that is secured in the Fire Apparatus. Every time the key is accessed by fire personnel, an electronic log keeps an audit trail. Should an alarm go off in your building, emergency personnel can open the door with the key(s) you provide and don't need to break your doors or locks. This is especially handy should the alarm be false.

You should contact your local Fire Department to take advantage of this service if you don't already have it. When you do have it, it is important to keep it updated whenever you have a security change such as changing your locks.