Category: Jacksonville Locksmith Services

How to Choose the Best Door Lock for Your Home

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Door Locks: A Burglar’s Perspective

A door provides a quick and easy way for a burglar to break into your home. However, a good high-quality lock is a great and effective deterrent. After being interviewed, many intruders said that when they saw quality deadbolt locks, they selected another target and moved onto another house.

intruder-burglar-best-door-lock

A study conducted by the California Crime Technological Research Foundation shows that the most common techniques used by burglars to break into single-family homes are (listed from most-often used to least-often used):

32.00% Through unlocked window or door
26.64% Forced entry by impacts
24.02% Prying or jimmying
6.79% Use of pass key or picking the lock
5.10% Entry attempted, but failed
5.45% Other or unknown

A burglar has many methods to break into a home. Burglars like doors that:
• Are left unlocked
• Can be kicked in
• Have locks that can be picked
• Have locks that can be hammered until they fall off
• Can be pried open
• Have frames can be spread apart with a spreader bar
• Have locks can be “drilled out” using a power drill
• Have locks can be pried off with pipe wrenches or pliers
• Have glass panes in, or beside doors, that can be can be broken so the intruder can reach in and unlock the locked door

And sometimes thieves can obtain a copy of the house key from an acquaintance.

The intruder will find and select a door that looks the easiest to break into, offering the smallest chance of being seen and caught. Many times intruders get the opportunity to hide from view in the midst of breaking and entering through doors going into the garage or from an attached garage into the house. Extra caution and more planning should go into the security of these areas.

Here are a few tips on how to protect your home from dangerous intruders and burglars:

Install locks with deadbolts
In residential construction, there are essentially two types of bolts used on exterior doors: latch bolts and deadbolts. Deadbolts are superior to latch bolts. However, some locks combine the two bolts into one, which offer even greater protection.

Install locks with an ANSI Grade 1 classification
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is a grading system that measures the security and durability of door locks. The ANSI has standards, developed and maintained by The Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association Inc. (BHMA), that compares and measures the security and durability performance of door locks.

But not all Grade 1 locks are equal. Various different types of door locks are tested differently under ANSI standards. However, the grade designation system is the same.

Install locks with key control
Key control is not as complicated as it sounds. It is simply controlling who has copies of the keys to your home. Many door keys can be copied at a local hardware or retail store – even here at Pop-A-Lock Jacksonville. However, many manufacturers now offer locks using keys that cannot be copied except by particular locksmiths or only by the manufacturer themselves.

Key control can help protect your from:
• In-home help who have been fired or quit, but they made their own copy of your house key.
• In-home help may have acquaintances who burglarize homes, and who might try to acquire a key through them.
• Mechanics who may try to make duplicates of your house key while working on your car.

Key control may require extra effort, such as a letter to the lock manufacturer or a trip to the locksmith to get a key made. However, the safety of your loved ones and belongings far outweigh the factor of inconvenience.

Call Pop-A-Lock Jacksonville at 904-326-3219 or visit us on the web at www.pallandersstag.wpengine.com to see how can be help you today.

The Dangers of Leaving your Pet in a Hot Car

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It’s starting to heat up outside. This beautiful weather means more time on the go with the pups. Remember that their bodies react much differently to heat than ours. PALSavesKids will always unlock.

Call Pop-A-Lock to save your dog locked in a hot car

Instead of sweating like humans, dogs cool themselves by panting and sweating through their paws. Stuffy cars and hot upholstery can hinder your dog’s cool-down process. A dog’s body temperature can climb from normal to deadly levels in as little as 15 minutes.

Warning Signs of Heat Stroke:

  • Heavy Panting
  • Lethargy
  • Lack of Coordination
  • Diarrhea
  • Profuse Salvation
  • Vomiting
  • Rapid Pulse
  • Red Gums and Tongue

If your dog or a stranger’s dog is locked in a vehicle, call your Pop-A-Lock Jacksonville at 904-326-3219 and a trained locksmith will come out and unlock the vehicle.

A Commercial Locksmith is Essential

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You may know Pop-A-Lock for our PAL Saves Kids emergency door unlocking (EDU) program or our other auto locksmith services that help with ignition key replacement, lost car keys, car key duplication, or high-security car keys and laser keys. However, you may not always need a locksmith for your car.

commercial-locksmith-pal-jacksonville

Each individual situation will require a specific set of services. For example, if you’re dealing with a home break-in, then you probably won’t need an auto locksmith. The same goes for businesses and other commercial properties. These will need a specific set of skills that a commercial locksmith will have. Luckily, Pop-A-Lock locksmith services include not only auto, residential, but also commercial.

A commercial locksmith specializes in the security and safety of a commercial business or property, and this can mean a wide variety of things. One common need for a commercial business is keyless entries and electronic keypads. This is often used in companies that need a medium-level of security. For instance, a large office park often includes a wide variety of businesses. Therefore, in order to prevent just anyone from walking in, a keyless entry, such as those requiring a specific photo badge and electronic key card are necessary.

Another example of a commercial locksmith service is basic locksmithing needs within the office. This can include installing new locks for safes, fixing file cabinets, and creating new keys. If a company deals with a lot of money or has a lot of sensitive information, these services are considered indispensable.

Installing alarm systems and monitoring are also included in commercial locksmith services. Commercial locksmiths can help install closed-circuit televisions (CCTV), which are used to monitor all areas of the office while away. Burglars could attempt a break-in during the weekends and evenings, so a CCTV system could help catch the culprit.

If you’re looking for a commercial locksmith, contact Pop-A-Lock Jacksonville today!

Install a Door Lock with the Help of Pop-A-Lock Locksmith

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Have you moved into a new home recently? Perhaps you have been an unfortunate victim of burglary? If so, you may want to replace all of your locks for newer and stronger locks. But how exactly do you install a lock? With the help of Pop-A-Lock Jacksonville, of course!

install door lock
Install a home lock system

Passing off this task of door lock installation is a good idea because professional Jacksonville locksmiths like us should be the first person you call for the task. Pop-A-Lock is trained in all manner of lock and security services – whether you need a simply key duplication or need to install state of the art closed-circuit television systems (CCTV).

Getting a door lock installed isn’t as expensive as you might think, although some of the newer technology and elaborate locks may cost a little more money. And if one of your locks was broken with force, significant repairs should be made to your door and lock system, which could also add more to the total bill.

Here at Pop-A-Lock, we use a wide range of tools, specialty locks and key systems. We carry some of the newest technology and designs, deadbolts, chain locks and electronic security locks. In addition to home security, remember that your car has locks too! Car locks are more challenging and difficult to replace yourself, so calling on us is definitely the way to go. Most of the time, installing a car door lock involves taking apart the door. So unless you’ve highly skilled with automobiles, give us a call!

Whether you’re installing new locks for your home or car, we’ll make sure you have the best lock for your situation to keep you, your family, and your valuables safe. If you have any questions about your home or car lock system in Jacksonville, please call us at 904-326-3219.

Questions You Should Ask Yourself When Hiring a Reputable and Legitimate Locksmith

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It seems like there are hundreds upon hundreds of locksmiths out there. But how do you know you’re hiring an honest and reputable one? Pop-A-Lock Jacksonville is here to help you demystify the process of finding a legitimate locksmith.

avoid locksmith scams
Avoid Locksmith Scams

 

What is this locksmith’s rating on the internet?
By looking up a locksmith’s internet rating on reputable sites like Yelp, Angie’s List and ServiceMagic can help provide insight on real consumer experiences. However, take care in knowing that some reviews may be fake. Fake reviews are usually done by the hundreds and if you check a review’s date, you’ll often find that many fake reviews are done on the same day – and many in multiples with 5-star ratings. Scammers will pay people to write fake, glowing reviews in order to bump up their ratings. But we know these are red flags that the reviews are, indeed, fake.

Is this locksmith on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website?
Check the locksmith’s BBB rating by punching in their name to find out if they are accredited. If a locksmith company is not accredited by the BBB, don’t use it. Look for a B+ rating is considered a good rating.

Is this locksmith on FindALocksmith.com?
Findalocksmith.com is the official website of the Association of the Locksmiths of America (ALOA), a trade group for locksmiths. Members of this website must be professional locksmiths and must be in good standing with the association. Members in good standing will never be scammers.

Will the locksmith be in full uniform?
Call the locksmith and confirm their technicians and locksmiths will be in full uniform. You will know who they are when they show up to help you. Professional locksmith technicians will be in company uniform and drive a company vehicle that is clearly marked. Scammers often appear in street clothes in an unmarked car. If a locksmith shows up out of uniform in an unmarked vehicle, do not hire him or her.

And the last important step in finding a reputable locksmith is to know a good locksmith before you actually need one. By researching a good Jacksonville locksmith ahead of time, you will exactly who to call when an emergency situation arises.

Ask these questions and you’ll be sure not to be scammed by an unscrupulous locksmith. And if you have any questions at all, be sure to give Pop-A-Lock Jacksonville a call at 904-326-3219.

Pop-A-Lock Releases New Android Locksmith App

By Pop-A-Lock | | No Comments

Pop-A-Lock recently announced the release of the free locksmith app for Android. While the iPhone app has been available for a while now, the Android app was just released in Google Play Store. Using this app in an emergency, Pop-A-Lock will know exactly where you are and what your emergency is.

pal locksmith app
Pop-A-Lock Locksmith App for Android and iPhone

The app was specifically developed to locate your exact latitude and longitudinal position, and to send the coordinates to the closest Pop-A-Lock technician near you. The Pop-A-Lock technician will unlock your car, make duplicate dealer keys for your car, or whatever else you need – even offering commercial and residential lockout services.

How the Pop-A-Lock Locksmith App Works

Inside the locksmith app, press the start button and you will fill out a quick request form for service. This description will let the technician know what type of emergency you have. If you prefer to speak to a technician directly, you can ‘Press To Talk’.  Using this app will provide a simple way for a Pop-A-Lock technician to meet your needs faster and with greater precision.

jacksonville locksmith app
Get Help in 3 Easy Steps with PAL’s locksmith app

What to Expect After Using the Locksmith App

The technician and/or locksmith that will arrive to aid you will be in a clearly marked vehicle and in a Pop-A-Lock uniform – there will be no questions as to who a customer is dealing with. All technicians and locksmiths are drug tested and background checks are performed to ensure the safety and peace of mind of all customers.

Download the app here:

Android

iPhone

Pop-A-Lock is known throughout the United States to provide professional locksmith services for automotive, commercial, and residential needs.  Pop-A-Lock is also known for providing free car door unlocking whenever a child is locked inside a vehicle.

For more information about Pop-A-Lock Jacksonville and our services, visit pallandersstag.wpengine.com. We’re also on Facebook and Twitter!

 

 

Pop-A-Lock Jacksonville Provides Emergency Roadside Assistance

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Although we are known as primarily locksmiths, we are always here to help you with emergency services, such as flat tire assistance, jump starts, gasoline delivery and, of course, lockouts. During the summer, it is a well-known fact that many cars break down. The summer heat can wreak havoc on many cars, new and old, which can sometimes leave you stranded and helpless on the side of the road.

Pop-A-Lock Emergency Roadside Assistance

Just as with all of our locksmithing services, you can still expect  the same level of exceptional professionalism and efficiency with our emergency roadside services. You can guarantee our focus is on your safety and satisfaction. You can be assured that Pop-A-Lock Jacksonville – as well as all other Pop-A-Lock locations across the nation – is considered a leading service provider in every major road club in America.

Here are some tips to help you stay safe on the roadside.

If you’re broken down in traffic*:

  • Get your car as far away from traffic as possible or onto the shoulder lane, if on a highway/freeway.
  • Don’t push the car if you’re alone – it may become uncontrollable.
  • Put on your hazard and headlights to increase your car’s visibility.
  • Get out of the car – wait away from it, off the road and behind guard rails, if possible.
  • If it’s hot out, wait under some shade.
  • If in heavy traffic or a dark area, be careful moving around outside the car.
  • Make yourself visible in the dark or wait in a well-lit area.

If you’re broken down in an isolated area at night*

  • Lock all doors.
  • Put hazard and headlights on to increase your car’s visibility.
  • Keep your mobile phone handy and switched on.
  • Stay in your car until you’re sure roadside assistance has arrived.
  • If approached by an unknown person, stay in your vehicle with the doors locked. Keep your window down slightly, but not far enough for anyone to reach in.
  • If you’re concerned or frightened by their presence, activate your horn while switching your headlights on and off. Call the police by dialing 9-1-1.

* These tips are intended as a guide only. Other precautions not mentioned may also assist in personal safety. This list may not include every possible precaution required.

Nevertheless, you may be alone with the towing service driver for some time. Ask questions, give names and numbers to a friend and be sure to keep a cell phone on hand, if you are worried about your safety. If possible, keep a friend with you throughout the process. And if you have any questions, please give us a call at 904-326-3219.