Gonzales
Locksmith Service
Locksmith Service
GONZALES LOCKSMITH SERVICE, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA 505-920-5004 * info@gonzaleslock.com |
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS:
KEYS:
EXTRA KEYS: I can't stress this one enough. If I didn't carry extra keys, I would be locking myself
out all day long. If I'm driving a car I don't have extra keys for, I'm really careful. Many of the newer
cars have keys that are expensive to duplicate and even more expensive if keys are lost completely.
In addition to the regular mechanical key, an electronic chip in the key must be programmed into
the vehicles computer. This requires special equipment which is constantly changing and is
determined by: 1. Manufacturer, 2. Model popularity, 3. Aftermarket manufacturer's ability and
willingness to respond to demand. Some locksmiths (not me, so far) have equipment to program
some of these keys, such as Ford pickups. On most High-End vehicles such as Audi, Mercedes,
Porshce, BMW and Volvo, keys are only available from the dealer and thats the way they like it! So
get extra keys for vehicles, and anything else with a lock!
EXTRA KEYS: I can't stress this one enough. If I didn't carry extra keys, I would be locking myself
out all day long. If I'm driving a car I don't have extra keys for, I'm really careful. Many of the newer
cars have keys that are expensive to duplicate and even more expensive if keys are lost completely.
In addition to the regular mechanical key, an electronic chip in the key must be programmed into
the vehicles computer. This requires special equipment which is constantly changing and is
determined by: 1. Manufacturer, 2. Model popularity, 3. Aftermarket manufacturer's ability and
willingness to respond to demand. Some locksmiths (not me, so far) have equipment to program
some of these keys, such as Ford pickups. On most High-End vehicles such as Audi, Mercedes,
Porshce, BMW and Volvo, keys are only available from the dealer and thats the way they like it! So
get extra keys for vehicles, and anything else with a lock!
BUSINESS AND HOME KEYS:
In addition to having extra keys for home and business, other factors apply. If you issue keys to
employees or others, you may consider a locking arrangement that's more key-secure than the
usual suspects, Kwikset and Schlage 5-Pin designs. By key-secure, I mean keys that can't be
copied at common places like Wal-Mart, these keys are also more unique than the more common
designs. Kwikset (KW1) design has about 7500 different key changes and the Schlage (SC1) has
about 75000 different key changes. In England, they call them "differs". Around here, I consider less
than a million key changes to be paltry. The SC1 design is more common than all others combined
and KW1 is a close second. Other manufacturers make lock cylinders based on these designs, not
just Kwikset and Schlage. Home Depot and Lowes have locks with every one of those KW1 and
SC1 keys on the shelves everywhere, over and over. You may have a key to your neighbor's house
and not even know it! These two are also most vulnerable to bump-keys and regular picking
methods. ANY other keyway is a step in the right direction. We offer several alternatives: other
keyways, a private-label restricted keyway and High-Security locks from ASSA and MEDECO.
In addition to having extra keys for home and business, other factors apply. If you issue keys to
employees or others, you may consider a locking arrangement that's more key-secure than the
usual suspects, Kwikset and Schlage 5-Pin designs. By key-secure, I mean keys that can't be
copied at common places like Wal-Mart, these keys are also more unique than the more common
designs. Kwikset (KW1) design has about 7500 different key changes and the Schlage (SC1) has
about 75000 different key changes. In England, they call them "differs". Around here, I consider less
than a million key changes to be paltry. The SC1 design is more common than all others combined
and KW1 is a close second. Other manufacturers make lock cylinders based on these designs, not
just Kwikset and Schlage. Home Depot and Lowes have locks with every one of those KW1 and
SC1 keys on the shelves everywhere, over and over. You may have a key to your neighbor's house
and not even know it! These two are also most vulnerable to bump-keys and regular picking
methods. ANY other keyway is a step in the right direction. We offer several alternatives: other
keyways, a private-label restricted keyway and High-Security locks from ASSA and MEDECO.
INTERCHANGEABLE CORE (IC)
Interchangeable Cores allow you to "change" locks anytime you want on nearly any kind of lock by
removing the core with a special key and replacing it with another. Perfect if you anticipate frequent,
unexpected or odd hour lock changes. The core can then be re-keyed to be used later. Locks are
sturdy commercial grade designs including entry locks, DEADBOLTS, PADLOCKS, cabinet locks,
electric switch locks and nearly any other style. Standard, restricted and High-Security designs are
available. Key systems custom written for your needs. You can carry a master-key for nearly
everything and others would have sub-masters or single keys.
Interchangeable Cores allow you to "change" locks anytime you want on nearly any kind of lock by
removing the core with a special key and replacing it with another. Perfect if you anticipate frequent,
unexpected or odd hour lock changes. The core can then be re-keyed to be used later. Locks are
sturdy commercial grade designs including entry locks, DEADBOLTS, PADLOCKS, cabinet locks,
electric switch locks and nearly any other style. Standard, restricted and High-Security designs are
available. Key systems custom written for your needs. You can carry a master-key for nearly
everything and others would have sub-masters or single keys.
IN SUMMARY:
Common locks using common keys (KW1 and SC1) are hardly secure at all. We consider these to
be LOW SECURITY designs. Less common and restricted keyways offer MEDIUM SECURITY. HIGH
SECURITY designs offer more key-changes than will ever be used, meaning your key will truly be
unique. Also these locks are resistant to other forms of attack such as drilling.
ALWAYS have back-up keys, especially if they are restricted keys, High-Security keys or auto keys
regardless of the model or price of a duplicate.
LOCK-UP, of course! Don't assume no one will try to get in. Don't make it easy on a thief, or worse!
MAIL: I recommend using a private mailbox (PMB)or a Post Office (PO)box and keeping your home
address separate. Very often, someone will have keys and ID stolen and then the thief has an
address and keys! It's also safer for your checks and credit cards. Also DO NOT leave outgoing mail
in a mailbox with the red flag up, use a USPS drop box. This is also true if your credit-card company
sends you those convienence checks.
Common locks using common keys (KW1 and SC1) are hardly secure at all. We consider these to
be LOW SECURITY designs. Less common and restricted keyways offer MEDIUM SECURITY. HIGH
SECURITY designs offer more key-changes than will ever be used, meaning your key will truly be
unique. Also these locks are resistant to other forms of attack such as drilling.
ALWAYS have back-up keys, especially if they are restricted keys, High-Security keys or auto keys
regardless of the model or price of a duplicate.
LOCK-UP, of course! Don't assume no one will try to get in. Don't make it easy on a thief, or worse!
MAIL: I recommend using a private mailbox (PMB)or a Post Office (PO)box and keeping your home
address separate. Very often, someone will have keys and ID stolen and then the thief has an
address and keys! It's also safer for your checks and credit cards. Also DO NOT leave outgoing mail
in a mailbox with the red flag up, use a USPS drop box. This is also true if your credit-card company
sends you those convienence checks.
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SECURE YOURSELF, YOUR HOME AND YOUR CAR
Lots of people tell me "I never lock my doors at home" and I think "well you don't know how it feels to
come home to find your home has been invaded." Even worse is if the intruder is still in there, how
would you know until you see them? Call me paranoid but leaving yourself vulnerable like that is
simply foolish.
I'm not saying to make it Fort Knox but you can at least improve what you have. If you come home
and see a window broken or door kicked-in, that should tip you off that something is wrong and you
may be in danger if you go in.
It's up to you to protect yourself and your family with what ever means you can and plan for what can
go wrong. Assuming someone else is going to protect you is beyond foolish. Home invasions are a
reality in todays world among other things.
Lots of people tell me "I never lock my doors at home" and I think "well you don't know how it feels to
come home to find your home has been invaded." Even worse is if the intruder is still in there, how
would you know until you see them? Call me paranoid but leaving yourself vulnerable like that is
simply foolish.
I'm not saying to make it Fort Knox but you can at least improve what you have. If you come home
and see a window broken or door kicked-in, that should tip you off that something is wrong and you
may be in danger if you go in.
It's up to you to protect yourself and your family with what ever means you can and plan for what can
go wrong. Assuming someone else is going to protect you is beyond foolish. Home invasions are a
reality in todays world among other things.
HOME:
Good solid doors with GOOD deadbolts and long strike plate screws .Window locks. Could you easily
get in if you were locked out? Use a combination lock box after you patch up your physical security
holes. There are also exterior-mounted key-pads to open garage doors. Don't leave upper windows
and terrace doors unlocked, assuming nobody will climb up is a MISTAKE! Alarms are good but only if
they are monitored. Still a police response can be a few minutes or a few hours. Secure valuables in a
good safe. Those things at Office Depot are not good safes, especially if they are not bolted down.
Extremely important documents should be kept in a bank safe deposit box. A closet with a deadbolt is
a good idea for the safe (bolted down or in the floor) and things too big to fit in the safe. Most of all, BE
AWARE! Notice your surroundings and any thing or person that seems suspicious to you.
Good solid doors with GOOD deadbolts and long strike plate screws .Window locks. Could you easily
get in if you were locked out? Use a combination lock box after you patch up your physical security
holes. There are also exterior-mounted key-pads to open garage doors. Don't leave upper windows
and terrace doors unlocked, assuming nobody will climb up is a MISTAKE! Alarms are good but only if
they are monitored. Still a police response can be a few minutes or a few hours. Secure valuables in a
good safe. Those things at Office Depot are not good safes, especially if they are not bolted down.
Extremely important documents should be kept in a bank safe deposit box. A closet with a deadbolt is
a good idea for the safe (bolted down or in the floor) and things too big to fit in the safe. Most of all, BE
AWARE! Notice your surroundings and any thing or person that seems suspicious to you.
BUSINESS:
Mostly the same advice as home. An alarm and a good safe are almost mandatory. Locks should be
upgraded, simply stamping "DO NOT DUPLICATE" on the key is hardly a security measure. Consider
locks with restricted or patented keyways. Electronic access control may be considered. Outside
combo boxes are NOT RECOMMENDED for buiness unless security is low anyway. The same goes
for simple combination locks like Simplex. Sometimes alarms and perimeter locks aren't enough,
you may have to secure valuables away from displays when closed. An overall strategy is helpful,
using good locks and electronics. You may need cameras or other electronic sensors.
The ability to change locks or "cores" and access codes whenever you need to can save you lots of
stress, time, money and also minimizes your risk. Patented keys also mean no unauthorized copies,
so if you get your key back, no need to change locks!
Mostly the same advice as home. An alarm and a good safe are almost mandatory. Locks should be
upgraded, simply stamping "DO NOT DUPLICATE" on the key is hardly a security measure. Consider
locks with restricted or patented keyways. Electronic access control may be considered. Outside
combo boxes are NOT RECOMMENDED for buiness unless security is low anyway. The same goes
for simple combination locks like Simplex. Sometimes alarms and perimeter locks aren't enough,
you may have to secure valuables away from displays when closed. An overall strategy is helpful,
using good locks and electronics. You may need cameras or other electronic sensors.
The ability to change locks or "cores" and access codes whenever you need to can save you lots of
stress, time, money and also minimizes your risk. Patented keys also mean no unauthorized copies,
so if you get your key back, no need to change locks!
CAR:
Lock your car doors, of course, after making sure you have key in hand. Don't leave engine running
and door unlocked, this is just begging for someone to steal it. If you are really attached to your car,
you need an ignition kill-switch of some kind. "The Club" will keep me busy for about half a minute
and I would expect a professional car thief to be even faster!. A small (or whatever fits) safe inside the
car for jewelery and guns is also recommended. Master Lock Co. has some very interesting
electronic alarms and ignition-kill products, worth a look!
Lock your car doors, of course, after making sure you have key in hand. Don't leave engine running
and door unlocked, this is just begging for someone to steal it. If you are really attached to your car,
you need an ignition kill-switch of some kind. "The Club" will keep me busy for about half a minute
and I would expect a professional car thief to be even faster!. A small (or whatever fits) safe inside the
car for jewelery and guns is also recommended. Master Lock Co. has some very interesting
electronic alarms and ignition-kill products, worth a look!
LUBRICANTS: I recommend Lock-Saver for the lock cylinders and Ballistol for the
bolts and latches. Graphite is also good for the cylinders. Don't use WD40, it's not
a good lubricant and makes a mess.
bolts and latches. Graphite is also good for the cylinders. Don't use WD40, it's not
a good lubricant and makes a mess.
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