24/7 Locksmiths in Carol Stream (331) 208-5055 at Locksmith Carol Stream IL on YouTube

 

Our expert team of technicians in Carol Stream is here to assist you. It doesn’t matter if you just need to have a key copied or if you need something like access control. We are here to help you 24 hours a day, so call us during an emergency such as a #lockout. We deal with these quite often. Watch our @YouTube video to learn more about us. https://youtu.be/3DnH7OxrPfQ

 

Watch on YouTube here: 24/7 Locksmiths in Carol Stream (331) 208-5055 at Locksmith Carol Stream IL
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How to Find the Right Locksmith

No matter who you are or where you live in Carol Stream, IL, you have to deal with locks on a daily basis. Between the locks on your home, car, and business, these simple devices keep you and your property safe. When issues arise with your locks or when they’re in need of an upgrade, the place to turn is a professional locksmith company. There is certain information that you need to find out in order to locate the best locksmith to service your needs. A locksmith can partner with you to ensure that the security of your property is expertly handled, but it’s important to find the perfect company for the job.

There are many options for locksmith service providers out there, but they are not always created equal. Too many companies operate via a system of scam tactics and shoddy service that could leave you unsatisfied at best and with property damage at worst. By researching your choices and narrowing it down to a select few, you can avoid spending extra money or being scammed in the process. The time that you spend in research before you hire a locksmith may save you hours of frustration later on.

To find the right locksmith, you need to ask specific questions. Once you’ve narrowed down the range of options to a select few, ask:

Is the Company Local?
When trying to find an appropriate locksmith company, you want to choose a business that is local. That’s because some companies that work from a regional dispatch center, and the quality of the locksmiths that you get may not be very high. These companies hire just about anyone on the street who knows how to use a screwdriver or pick a lock. A local company that has pride in building up its reputation will pay close attention to every job that they do. You will be considered a more valuable customer by these companies.

Do They Have a Trustworthy Reputation?
Unfortunately, there are companies operating around Illinois that have a less-than-stellar way of doing business. They’re just out to make a quick buck and could care less about the quality of the services they offer. It’s important to separate the good from the bad, and you can do this by checking out the company’s reputation. Do they have any online reviews? What do people say about them? What does it say on the business’s own website about their policies?
All of the locksmiths from the company you choose should be licensed and certified by the state and should be willing to show you these credentials. When you call the locksmith company, make sure they are willing to answer this and any other questions that you give them. Not being willing to answer questions could be a red flag.

Are They Upfront About Their Prices?
When you contact the company of your choosing, not only should they be willing to give you the information that you seek, but they should also be completely transparent about the prices of both their services and products. They should be willing to give you a free, accurate estimate, as well as be honest as to whether there are any additional fees for things like emergency lockouts. And they should also adhere to those prices when they arrive on the scene and start performing the work. Don’t let a locksmith talk you into a whole bunch of additional services that you don’t feel are necessary. Never be afraid to fire someone if they give you a bad feeling. Trust your instincts.

Do They Offer 24-Hour Service?
Lock and key issues can occur any time of the day or night. Like most things, these problems follow Murphy’s Law. You want a locksmith company that can come directly to your location quickly any time of the day or night, especially if you need urgent services, such as when facing a vehicle or home lockout. It’s best, even if you only think you’ll need a locksmith one time, to find a good company that you can rely on in the future just in case.

Do They Provide a Full Range of Services?
Today’s locksmiths are not merely limited to locks and keys. A good locksmith company that’s worth their salt is capable of performing a wide range of security services at a lower price than other security providers. These include installation and maintenance of home and business safes, keyless entry solutions, security cameras, panic bars, emergency exit technology, access control, and many other valuable services. While some locksmiths list their services on their website, it always pays to inquire as to whether a company offers a particular service. Compare prices to get the best deal.

Are They Willing to Show Identification?
Once you think you’ve chosen the right company and have scheduled a service call, make sure that you pay attention to how the technicians appear when they arrive. They should be willing to show you their identification and credentials before any work is performed. The name on all of their paperwork, their logos, and their marketing should all match. Some unscrupulous companies try to fly under the radar and escape their past mistakes by changing their name frequently.

By following the steps above, you’ll be well on your way to find the right locksmith for your needs. Whether you need a lock installed or a safe delivered, the right locksmith can handle all of your security concerns in one place. When it’s time to find a high-quality locksmith, turn to an expert company such as Locksmith Carol Stream IL. The questions listed in this article can help you narrow down the best option among your field of choices. A high-quality locksmith can not only help you out of a jam, but perform lock installations and upgrades, install a new security system, recommend cost-effective methods of upping your property’s protection, and give you peace of mind in knowing that your Carol Stream property is safe from harm.

Locksmith Carol Stream IL: Various Kinds of Locks

If you find yourself shopping around for new locks, one thing is for sure and that is that you will likely find yourself overwhelmed. Have you ever stepped into a shop just to see what’s available in terms of new locks? If so, you’re going to find aisles of options. Or perhaps you use sites such as Amazon.com for just about everything. No matter where you look, you’re going to find plenty to choose from. The key to finding the best lock (no pun intended) is to stick within your budget and to know the features that are important to you. Locksmith Carol Stream IL works hard to provide Carol Stream, Illinois locals with the lock and security services that they need.  If you need help or more information on locks, you can call us if you are in our service area, or we are confident that there is a great locksmith by you.

Finding a locksmith that is practiced and competent in working with a wide variety of locks can be a difficult task. But we urge you to take the proper steps: make sure the locksmith you hire is licensed and insured (hey, things can go wrong while installing locks); make sure that the locksmith you hire has good reviews – you can check on social media (Facebook) and Yelp; and make sure that the locksmith is willing to offer the information you need, such as a price quote for the service, without any hassle. Keeping these tips in mind, you are sure to find a great locksmith to help you navigate the various kinds of locks!


What to Know When Buying a New Lock

• Pay attention to the materials used to make the lock

Go with a high-quality metal so that you can get adequate protection for your property. There are some locks that you will find to be less expensive, but make sure that they weren’t put together cheaply.

• Go with a solid brand

A good way to find a good lock is to go with a solid, reputable brand. This doesn’t mean spending a fortune. Companies like Mul-T-Lock, Falcon and Schlage make great locks and you are sure to find a great deal. All you have to do is look around. Remember, you can always find the cheapest option when it comes to the specific lock you want, if you just compare rates at a few different places.
So, what kind of locks are available in the present day? Check it out…


Residential Locks

There are many areas in your home where locks should be installed. You need more than a front door lock. Have a look at common locks for homes:

• Door locks

Deadbolts are commonly used on exterior doors in homes because they are affordable and add more security. Keyless locks and electronic locks are quite popular, too. Of course, if you are going with a keyless lock, you’re going to be looking at a higher price tag. This is a given. You pay for the quality technology, but it is well worth it.

On interior doors, lever handle locks and knob door locks work very well.

• Garage door locks

There are all sorts of locks for garage doors, like T-Handle locks, padlocks and deadbolts. Just bear in mind that your automatic garage door opener might not be enough when you are trying to keep your property safe and secure.

• Window locks

As it relates to window locks, you have a few options. If you look at a place like Walmart, you are going to find sliding window locks for a great deal – as a matter of fact, a quick online search reveals a lot of 4 piece sliding window locks for less than $5. You can get heavy duty cast aluminum for a great deal. These locks will keep windows shut in a closed or ventilating position. Of course, a locksmith will always be able to offer a great deal on window locks and installation.

• Furniture locks

When it comes to furniture locks, you can spend $5 or you can spend $40, or more or less. There are many options available. You can find a small brass plated non-mortise cabinet lock for approximately $5 online. Electronic cabinet locks are becoming more popular and you could find one of these on Amazon.com – use Prime and get free shipping, and you really can’t go wrong! Again, furniture locks can be discussed with your local locksmith.

Commercial Locks

Let’s not forget about your commercial property. Locks are so important!

• Keypad door locks

A keypad door lock means that to get in, you must enter a passcode. Without the correct passcode, you won’t be able to get in. This is a good way to keep unwanted persons out while being able to avoid having a key. Keypad locks come in various size options.

• Furniture locks

As mentioned, furniture locks can be discussed with your local locksmith and should be installed on cabinets or drawers that must be locked!

• Panic Bars

While not exactly a lock per se, your commercial property does require panic bars. They allow for an easier, faster exit plan during an emergency. Talk with your locksmith about panic bars and how they can even lower your insurance rate!

Automotive Locks

Finally, automotive locks – your car needs locks that work. If they were damaged during a break in, allow a locksmith who is licensed and insured to fix them. Keypads are a good option and can be found on many new vehicles. Just make sure that your locks are in good shape!
Would you like more information about the lock types that are for sale today? We’d be happy to provide the relevant information for you. Just call us if you happen to be in or near Carol Stream, but remember that if you are elsewhere, you should do a search for a locksmith by you. This will allow you to have someone to reach out to for all of your lock and security concerns!

Locksmith Carol Stream IL– What to Do When Transponder Key is Lost

In last decade or so, we’ve seen many fantastic improvements and upgrades made in the automotive industry. This includes the creation of the transponder keys- a much more secure option than regular keys. This type of key contains a unique device called a transponder chip. It is used to communicate with the computer in the car’s engine. Without this chip, your engine won’t start.
At some point in time, many people will lose their keys- it doesn’t matter what type of key it is. Did you lose your transponder key recently? Don’t worry! You’re not the first, and you certainly won’t be the last. Just make sure that you direct all your transponder key issues to Locksmith Carol Stream IL in Carol Stream, Illinois.

Now, What Should You Do If Your Transponder Key is Lost?
Well, there are several things that you can do. Hopefully, the solution to your situation won’t be too expensive. And, if you didn’t know before, now may not be a good time to find out. But, transponder keys can be fairly expensive to make.
So, before you jump into such a big expense, let’s explore some options for you.

• Search and search again

This statement may seem a bit odd. But, is it really? How many times have you had things go missing only to find them a few days or even hours later? It has happened to the best of us. So, before you go into a frenzy or start searching for money to spend on new keys, search for those keys again.

You never know. With an extra set of eyes and hands, you may end up finding those keys that you thought were lost. If you do find them, it will end up saving you a few bucks. So, search again.

• Get your spare key

Whether you bought your car new from a dealer or it’s used, it is quite likely that you received a spare key with it. If you’ve never thought about using it before, now’s the time to go and get it. If you’re far away from home, it’s easier said than done. But, we hope if you ever should lose your transponder key that you’ll be close to your already programmed spare key.

Can’t find your spare key? You may just be in a little pickle. But, keep reading! We have a great suggestion for our next tip.

• Call a locksmith

Notice it said call a locksmith and not your dealer? It may seem a bit bias since we’re a locksmith company. But, guess what? Your local locksmith is often much less expensive than your dealer. Many professional locksmiths are trained to handle transponder keys. Once they’re well-trained and experienced, they should be able to provide top-class services.

Regardless of where you live, we’re sure that you can find an amazing locksmith in your area to make or even program your transponder key for you.

Note carefully: There’s one thing that you should never, ever do if you lose your transponder key. NEVER BYPASS THE COMPUTER SYSTEM! If you received more than one key with your vehicle when you bought it, chances are that the spare key may need to be programmed. If you’re one of the lucky ones, then your spare key may be programmed already. So, this may not apply to you.
But, if your key needs to be programmed, go ahead and do it. Never use that unprogrammed key to start your vehicle by bypassing the computer system. That’s a very dangerous risk to take. Getting the key programmed may seem a bit costly now, but it could end up being the less costly option in the long run.

Can’t Find Your Transponder Key? Here’s the best solution!
You may be wondering what can be better than calling a locksmith for help. Well, we have some great news for you. All the stress related to a lost transponder key and the money you’ll have to spend can be saved. You just have to do one thing- DON’T LOSE THE KEY!
Well, when you think about it, that’s really a preventative measure rather than a solution, right? But, it’s the best thing you can do to avoid all the headache. So, how can you prevent your oh-so-important car keys from getting lost? Here are a few tips.

1. Use a key finder.

If you lose your keys a lot, you’ll find that a key finder is one of the greatest inventions available today. There are several varieties of them, so they work in different ways. But, the common goal of these small and helpful devices is to assist you when you need to find your keys.

On more than one occasion, many of us will misplace our keys. Sometimes it is these same circumstances that lead to a lost key. So, having a key finder can surely prevent such incidences as these. They’re sold for a wide range of prices too, so you should find one that meets your budgetary requirements.

2. Place your keys in easy-to-reach places.

There are many places where we can lose our keys. It doesn’t matter if you’re in or outside your home. So, another great way to make your keys easy-to-find is by keeping it in specific locations. Using items like a key rack or a key bowl can save you a lot of time and hassle when you’re at home.

Not home? Then, you may have to be much more careful with where you place your keys. Try not to leave them in places where you may forget them. Be especially careful when you’re out shopping or you’re in places where they can be very easily misplaced.

Would you like more information about how to properly maintain or replace your transponder keys? Perhaps you’d like a locksmith to make one for you or program the transponder chip. Just give us a call at Locksmith Carol Stream IL in Carol Stream, Illinois. We are transponder key experts and we’d be happy to assist you.

Why Have Access Controlled System Installed

Everybody can benefit from an access-controlled system. At Locksmith Carol Stream IL in Carol Stream, IL we install them for both businesses and homes. You probably don’t know what it is but chance is that you’ve used them. Access control is something used in hospitals, law firms, apartment buildings, schools, companies, airports and government buildings. Access control is just that, it controls who has access into a certain place or area. When there is access control in a business, it usually only allows authorized personal to enter. General public can enter but they may be required to enter from a different location. A hospital is a good example of where access control is necessary. When you take into consideration the access to drugs that someone could have in a hospital, it is logical for there to be so many areas that require access control. In instances of law firms with access control, we can see the practicality in this because if someone renders an unfavorable verdict against someone the law firm was defending, someone may retaliate. Law firms definitely require this type of security. Access control is a great source of security. We have even been installing it in churches due to the attack on certain religious organizations. This doesn’t just protect the minister but it protects those in the congregation. Access control lock sales have increased in recent years. There is a good reason for this, crime is on the increase not the decrease. We are able to install this type of system for you. Many people think that only a security service can do this but our locksmiths can install and program the access control system for you at a reasonable rate. Many businesses can benefit from this because they can see who is entering and leaving their business at any given time. Suppose there has been recent theft. Having access control can help find out who is stealing items from the business. You might important paperwork that you only want specific personnel to have access to. You can restrict who enters the area where this sensitive paperwork is located so that no one is able to get their hands on it. In recent years, peoples credit card numbers and their social security numbers were stolen. Now this could have been due to various factors. One of the factors could have been that the wrong person was given access into an area with this type of information. If this problem is to be avoided, you’ll need do something that may call for drastic measures, this might be installing access controlled entry.

Your Safety Concerns Answered

Access control can protect people lives. We really can’t tell you just how important it is to your safety and security if you work in a field where emotions can run high. Disgruntled people target government officials. Someone who has a grudge against a particular politician in a certain political party, may try to do harm to the anyone in that same political party. When people are angry and upset, they can do some foolish things, such as, coming in with guns blazing. Access control can track whothose people are coming in and out of the building. This not only protects the politician it can protect other people who are around. It is worth every dime to save lives by having access control installed. We understand how irritating going through access-controlled areas can be. They slow you down. However, the benefits of having them far outweigh the negative. We know what you’re thinking. This is 100%. This might be true but there are far less incidents with it than without it.

Consider when you go to the airport. Even the airport security has access control areas that they must also go through before they can board a plane. This is for safety reasons. Since terrorist attacks are so prevalent today, it is necessary to take other measures to ensure everyone’s safety. Now that you are fully aware of what access control is, just look around. You’ve probably entered a building today with access control. It is very common today.

Home Access Control

If you have young people living in your home, having access control is a good idea. If there are several people in your home who all have keys, you have a greater chance of someone losing their keys. This would put everyone in your home, life in jeopardy. If you don’t want to risk this, contact us and allow us to install access controlled locks for you. This can be in the form of a keyless entry. The keypad is mounted to the exterior of your home. The keypad can be programmed to give everyone a different access code or the same access code. With this type of lock, it gives you greater control over who comes in and out of your house. It is also very difficult for this type of system to be compromised. So you not only gain safety and security but you are able to determine when someone was in and out of your house. We know that everyone can use additional security these days. This might be necessary if you live in a high-risk area or if you have had problems with your locks in the past.

Locksmiths offer a variety of security features and it seems that access control security is becoming more and more popular. We can have yours installed for you in no time. They say you get what you pay for. This is true when it comes to having access control. While it may be more expensive than some of the other security features offered by a locksmith, it is well worth every dime. You can’t always plan for the worst but when you can, you should. Get better control of your business and home security by having access control security installed right away. This isn’t something that will take all day to accomplish. We can do this for you in no time.

EZ Pass Maryland Transponders Are Now Free: Gov. Hogan

Marylanders are expected to save a total of $46 million over five years as Gov. Hogan announces EZ Pass transponders are now free.

By Geoff Dempsey, Patch National Staff

image from: patch.com

 

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Larry Hogan announced Wednesday that all new E-ZPass Maryland customers will not have to pay the $7.50 transponder fee, which is estimated to save Marylanders $46 million over the next five years. The decision follows a 2015 announcement when Hogan said there would be major toll rollbacks.

The free transponders themselves will save $6 million, while the discounts that transponder users get will account for the remaining $40 million in estimated savings.

"Today, we continue moving forward with a commitment to provide relief for Maryland taxpayers by putting an additional $46 million back into the pockets of hardworking middle class families, retirees, and small businesses - and back into our growing economy," Hogan said in a news release. "We have now cut taxes, tolls, and fees by over $1.2 billion in the last four years."

Customers with old transponders will also get new ones for free. If you've already bought a transponder in 2018, your account will be credited $7.50 as long as it is in good standing.

Read more: EZ Pass Maryland Transponders Are Now Free: Gov. 

Related Article: How to Create a Linear Transponder using a RTL Dongle and HackRF with Gnu Radio.