Banham-Lock-Fresh-Installation

Banham Lock Fresh Installation

No matter where you are in London, it’s necessary to update your locks every so often. Locks can become worn down through natural wear and tear. Just imagine how many times you open your day a day – that eventually adds up. This will cause your lock to deteriorate over time and compromise the safety of your home.

In order to keep your home at maximum security for as long as you live there, it’s absolutely necessary to update your locks. That’s exactly what our most recent job was for.

Two Updated Banham Locks

One of our most recent calls was from a family who did not feel safe with their current lock condition. The locks that they had currently were outdated and could’ve easily been compromised. They contacted 24/7 London Locksmith looking for help on how to maximize the security of their household.

We arrived at the house quickly and assessed the situation. We confirmed upon arrival that the current locks were not suited for maximum security. These locks we’re nearly 20 years old and were rusted. It was evident that any burglar could’ve broken in easily. We removed this lock quickly and replaced them with 2 maximum security, high-quality Banham Locks.

Mission: Replace outdated locks with new high-security Banham locks

Emergency: Client did not feel safe with current lock situation. Needed maximum-security lock installation.

Lock: Banham locks

Location: South East London

Phone call date & time: Monday, December 10th, 2018, 2:05 pm

Arrival time: 2:30pm (~25 minutes)

Work time: 50 minutes

Banham Locks

Contact us today and we promise we’ll get to you within 30 minutes!

Touchscreen-Locks-Are-They-Worth-It

Touchscreen Locks – Are They Worth It?

Ask anyone if they are currently carrying a set of house keys, and most will readily jangle their pockets in response. However, keys may become a thing of the past as touchscreen lock technology evolves and becomes more commonplace. If you often forget your keys or just aren’t a fan of keys in general, then read on to find out if investing in a touchscreen lock is for you.

Convenience

Touchscreen locks are easy to use right from the point of installation. These mechanized deadbolts can often be fitted in the place of old locks, so no need to change out your whole door. Once installed and a personalized code selected, you are essential ‘key-free’. This means that not only can you go for a jog or walk the dog and not have to worry about carrying keys, but it also means you will never get locked out again. And because these locks rely on batteries, you won’t be caught short in a power outage.

You can also create temporary access codes for other users, for example, housekeepers, dog walkers, or contractors, limiting both the time and duration of access. Once these codes expire or are cancelled, they cannot be used again – far safer than handing out keys that can be copied.

Home Security

Having a tangible set of keys makes us feel secure because as long as they are in our possession, no one else can use them. In lieu of hardcopy keys, touchscreen locks give you peace of mind by providing remote monitoring via PC and smartphone apps.

The locks feed digital access history to these apps so that you can easily see a timeline of when your door was opened and by whom. Much like a security system when you are at home, you can switch on audible alerts to sound when the door is opened or closed, or if someone is trying to force entry.

Insurance

One last thing to consider before investing in a touchscreen lock is whether or not it can save you money on your insurance premiums. Most insurance companies give discounts for homes which have increased security and remote monitoring systems, however, they also require you to have British Standard 3621 locks fitted on all final exit doors in your home.

Be sure to contact your insurers to understand the exact stipulations of your policy before making the switch to touchscreen.

With all the different options available, the best thing to do is contact the professionals. London Locksmith is available 24/7 to answer queries, find the best locks to fit your needs, and stock a full range of insurance approved locks. Contact us today for a free cost estimate.

Chubb-or-Ingersoll-Locks

Chubb or Ingersoll Locks – Which One Protects You Better?

When choosing locks for your home, one of the key deciding factors should be their compliance with your insurer’s requirements. Most insurers require homeowners to have British Standard 3621 deadlocks fitted on all their final exit doors because they are the most resistant to forced entry methods employed by thieves. In fact, having a BS3621 lock is often a prerequisite for your insurance policy to remain valid.

Here we compare Chubb and Ingersoll, both well-respected brands in the locksmith industry, to help you choose which is right for you.

Chubb

Chubb has been manufacturing locks since the early 1800s. Since then their locks have become synonymous with deadlocks. They can only be operated with a key and have no latch. These locks provide more security as potential burglars cannot simply reach in through a broken window and turn the latch to gain access.

Chubb offers a 5-lever British Standard mortice lock, which meets most insurance companies’ requirements as it is very robust and resists lock picking as well featuring anti-drill plates. Buying a Chubb mortice lock means that with a single installation, you have achieved insurance approved security for your home. Chubb locks are a reliable and resourceful way to keep your home safe 24/7.

Ingersoll

Ingersoll SC71 Classic 10-lever deadlocks came on the market in the late 1960s and quickly became widely favoured across the UK. Operated from the inside with a latch and from the outside with a key, this lock provides a solid foundation for securing your home.

However, the SC71 alone does not meet the British Standard 3621 deadlock requirements. If you want to opt for this lock, then you will have to augment it with a secondary BS3621 certified mortice deadlock. Fortunately, despite having two locks you can use the same key to operate both. This is a great option if you would prefer two points of security on your door, but the convenience of only requiring one key.

Overall both locks provide your home with the necessary and proper security measures to ensure a safe home. You can’t go wrong with either. It’s just a matter of personal preference.

Contact the professionals at London Locksmith who service the Greater London Area. We are available 24/7 to provide advice and a free quote and ensure that you choose the best option for your needs.

How-Often-and-When-Should-I-Change-My-Locks

How Often and When Should I Change My Locks?

Security is a major buzzword in today’s world – from firewalls and encryption, to password complexity and personal data protection. However, often we are so concerned with virtual security that we overlook the physical measures in place to protect ourselves and our property. In fact, one of the quickest and easiest ways to improve home security is to change your locks regularly.

In a world where we change flatmates more frequently than our email passwords, it is a good idea to follow the tips below to determine if it may be time to have new locks fitted.

Moving

Try counting how many of your keys are floating around and you may find yourself hard pressed to keep track of them all: parents, flatmates, boyfriends, girlfriends, cleaners, estate agents, landlords – the list goes on! One of the best times to wipe the slate clean and start over is when you move. When you move into a new flat or house, chances are there’s a lot of keys floating around to that new apartment. Changing the locks upon arrival ensures that only you have the keys, and that old, outdated or damaged locks are exchanged for new ones.

As a new property owner, be sure to have the locks changed as soon as the old owners move out. However, if you are renting, then you should have new locks fitted when you move in and thereafter any time you have a change of flatmate.

Home Renovation

Whether you are undertaking a full refurbishment or just having smaller jobs done, you may decide to entrust contractors with your keys while you are at work. However, you may not realise just how many people will have access to your keys. During the course of a home improvement project, electricians, plumbers, and masons, will all require access to your property. These contractors may then delegate work to their employees, which means your keys will make the rounds amongst quite a few people.

So, even if you have a lovely contractor and the renovation went off without a hitch, it is still a good idea to have your locks changed at the end of any home improvement project.

You Lose Your Keys

You may think that losing your keys is just a minor annoyance easily remedied by simply using your spare set, but this is not the case. If you lose your keys as a result of petty crime, such as pickpocketing or bag snatching, your personal effects, including ID cards, driver’s licenses, or even bills, give criminals clues as to where you live. The bottom line is that when you lose keys, you never know who may find them, so as a precaution it is wise to have new locks fitted.

Whether you’ve recently moved or simply lost your keys, contact London Locksmith. Servicing the Greater London area, we are available 24 hours a day and can offer advice via the telephone, provide free estimates, and no call out charges. For all your locksmith needs contact London Locksmith today!