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Locksmiths Billinge How Do You Keep Updated ?
Being a locksmith and what we do is sometimes shrouded in mystery. All the tricks of the trade that is learned and knowledge gained is often only known by locksmiths, and its not like you can simply go to college or a day class to learn anything new so how does Derek our locksmith in Billinge keep updated.
Locksmiths tend to learn from each other when they join locksmith groups online either facebook or even whatsapp groups of like thinking locksmiths. Locksmiths also learn from locksmith journals, locksmith manufacturers who are often updating locks and there is locksmith tool makers who often offer day courses using the tools that they sell.
The Lishi style pick pictured above is specific to a particular type of euro cylinder lock and there are others like this. Lishi picks were originally designed by Mr Li of China for use on cars but have been further developed for use on domestic locks.
Moving Into A New Home In Billinge ? Then Check Your Locks
If your buying or moving into a new home then our locksmith in Billinge Derek suggests that you do a couple of things. Firstly check the locks are working in the property. We often get call from customers who have recently moved into a property to find that a door lock isnt working. Finally we suggest that for peace of mind you replace your main exit door locks even if just one per month to ensure that only you has keys to your home. If you would like a quote for lock replacements then call Pam or Derek of Locksmiths Billinge on 07855 867422.
Door Lock Problems In Billinge ? We Can Help
If your having door lock problems in Billinge or surrounding areas then we can help. At Lockkeys Locksmiths Billinge we have been sorting out problem locks since 2009 from our base in St Helens. By speaking with Derek or Pam on 07855 867422 we can provide you with a no obligation quote for any locksmith requirement you may have and of course if its not something we cover we probably know someone who does. Upvc door locks are our speciality.
Church Box Locks - If Only They Could Talk
Locksmithing is such an interesting trade especially if you like history. The attached photo is a church box lock, called this because the mechanics of the lock are contained within a wooden box. You see them on a lot of churches especially those built in the 1800s or earlier. They worked in a similar manner as the mortice locks of today in that the key lifted a lever and throws the bolt out into the keep of the lock. The protection for these locks however was a pattern inside of the box lock above the keyway called a ward which was shaped ornately so that only the correct key would fit the shape of the warding (hence the lovely shapes on some old church keys).
As with most locks, developments are made as a result of criminal activity and it was discovered that the warding could be by-passed by using a thinned out key this is where skeleton keys came into use and other locks started to be made to resist this type of lock attack.
Nightlatches Why Would You Disable The Snib ?
As Billinge Locksmiths we are problem solvers and often get asked how to prevent relatives or carers becoming locked out of a property when the person they care for keeps using the snib function on their nightlatch.
As a last resort because the snib effectively deadlocks a nightlatch we can remove the snib function so that it can no longer can be used and as a result no one can be locked out.
If you would like a quote or advice from lockkeys locksmiths Billinge then simply call Pam or Derek on 07855 867422 we are here for our customers.
Unusual Locks - Scandinavian Oval Cylinder
At Lockkeys Locksmiths Billinge over the years we have come across many different types of lock, but these are called Scandinavian oval cylinders and Ive only come across two since starting trading in 2009. They are unusual to find in the UK and are mainly fitted to doors supplied from Scandinavian countries hence the name. Although its not often we see them the locks are still available in the UK and after ordering one this old lock was replaced with new.
If you would like a quote to replace a Scandinavian oval cylinder or any other lock then please call Derek or Pam on 07855 867422 we are here for our customers.
Window Locks How Do They Work ?
Our Locksmith in Billinge Derek explains in this video the different parts of a window mechanism and the problems that could occur. There is 3 main parts to a window mechanism, the Handle, the multipoint mechanism and the window frame keeps. When you move the handle which is connected through the window frame to a multipoint lock this moves the lock and either brings them out of the window keeps to open the window or locks it in place inside the window frame keeps. A problem with any of the three parts can cause the window not to open or lock.
If you would like any advice or a free quote to open a window mechanism or replace window handles then you can call us on 07855 867422.
Did You Know Some Nightlatches Can Be Deadlocked ?
As locksmiths in Billinge we are providing a security type service and part of this includes providing security related advice. Some customers have nightlatches fitted (commonly called Yale Locks) and some of these locks can be deadlocked which enhances a customers door security. Our Billinge Locksmith Derek has kindly made this video for customers so that they can discover if they have a deadlocking nightlatch on their own doors.
BS 3621 Locks What Are They ?
When customers in Billinge take out or renew home insurance, they are often asked to answer some insurance questions which may include whether you have BS3621 locks fitted to your doors. These locks can often be found fitted to wooden doors and are mortice sash or deadlocks commonly known as "Chubb Locks". It can often be a bit confusing to know if your locks are BS3621 standard and so our Locksmith in Billinge Derek has kindly produced this video to help customers check. If you need a quote for insurance preferred locks then call Derek or Pam on 07855 867422.
Lockkeys Locksmiths Billinge Going The Extra Mile
Or in this case the extra 40 miles. We recently did some work for a large Northwest Charity who needed a euro cylinder lock converting to a thumb turn cylinder after a fire assessment audit. The problem was that it was a Assa Ruko Flexcore lock on a master suited system so just replacing it with a new lock was not a option. With this type of situation we needed to work out first of all who supplies and fits this particular make of lock which brought us to Master Lock & Safe in Southport who very kindly converted the lock to a thumbturn for us before we refitted the lock and solved the problem and the lock is now compliant for the fire audit.
Upvc Door Problems ? Is It Your Lock Or The Door ?
At Locksmith Billinge we often get calls from customers who have problems with their upvc doors and in order to give a better quote we ask them to open the door if they can and try locking the door whilst its open if this works ok then you then know its not the lock thats the problem but merely a door alignment.
When To Replace Your Locks In Billinge
At Lockkeys Locksmiths Billinge we always recommend a customer replaces locks when the following occurs:
Moving into a new property or business. (Your insurer might require this).
When your keys are lost or mislaid.
If you have unfortunately been the victim of crime.
When someone has keys and they no longer need access.
If you need a locksmith in Billinge then we provide no obligation quotes for all our Billinge Locksmith Services just call us on 07855 867422 and speak with Pam or Derek.
Rim Deadlock Locks
Rim deadlocks are still a commonly used lock. Often seen on gates and sheds they are not a high security lock with the protection being the warding or obstructions inside the lock with the key being shaped to bypass the warding.
The reason that these locks are not very secure is because skeleton keys can also be used to bypass the wards and open the lock. We often recommend that if customers have these on sheds that they also have extra security such as a shed alarm and all tools should be locked inside a metal box that is chained up to ladders or another large object.
The Electric Pick Gun - A Locksmiths Best Friend
A locksmith will have many tools in his or hers kit but the Electric Pick Gun or EPG for short is without doubt the locksmiths best friend. Using a EPG enables cylinder locks to be picked quicker and easier than manual hand picking which benefits both locksmith and customer.
There are a number of different types of EPGs which all basically work the same way, so the locksmith has a number to choose from to suit most budgets. The one pictured is a fairly new one of the market and is a Master Pick EPG with a RPM of 17300 it provides plenty bounce for the locksmith but of course still needs skill and knowledge of the lock to use correctly.
Key Safes Supplied & Fitted In Billinge
Lockkeys Locksmiths Billinge also supply and fit key safes for customers whether you need a standard security or high security key safe we can help. When choosing a key safe obviously your budget will come into it but you will also need to decide how many keys you expect to be keeping in the key safe as this will determine the size of the key safe required eg small, medium or large. Customers should also consider the type of keysafe required as some use a dial system rather than a push button system to operate them and so more dexterity with you fingers is required when operating a dial system key safe. If you would like a no obligation quote for a key safe to be supplied and fitted then call us on 07855 867422 and speak to Derek or Pam.