9/19/2019

The Affect of Weather On Your Locks

If you’re experiencing a problem with your locks then you might have to consider that the conditions outside have contributed to it. The first thing that people think is that there is something wrong with their key. In reality, the problem doesn’t involve their key, it is usually a problem with the lock itself. At Suwanee Locksmith LLC in Suwanee, GA, we have seen the problem over and over again, much to the surprise of our customers. There are lots of reasons why you might experience a problem with your lock and one of them might just be due to the weather. Despite damaging the lock attempting to break-in, your lock can become compromised when it is too cold or too hot outside. Weather has resulted in the inability to unlock doors and has resulted in damaging locks. Notice how weather can have an adverse affect on your locks.

Spring/Summer Months

The most common issue that homeowners and business owners experience during the warmer months of the year is their locks jamming. This occurs when the lock will not turn. It only turns in one direction. This problem usually involves an exterior door lock. The higher the temperatures get the more the door frame expands. This problem can occur with just about any lock including a deadbolt lock. As the door continues to expand, it affects the way that the lock functions. If you have a wooden door then you have likely experienced this problem before. It is a problem that is experienced more with locks on wooden doors than those that are on steel doors. Wood is the type of material that will easily expand and contract, which makes it most susceptible to the weather conditions.

Fall/Winter Months

Our locksmiths in Suwanee, GA are called upon most often about lock issues during the colder months of the year due to weather related issues. This is especially true during the winter months. Locks will often freeze, making it impossible for them to work properly. When the weather is cold outside, rather than expanding the door will contract thus making it difficult for the key to turn in the lock. This usually occurs when you are trying to lock or unlock the door. Again, the problem isn’t with the key, it involves the contracting of the door because of the colder temperatures outside. In order to get the lock to work you may have to adjust it by pulling it toward you and trying to align the lock and key with the frame. This will usually do the trick but not always. This simply isn’t the solution that will get you the results that you need. The problem will only further frustrate you if you don’t contact a locksmith to make address the problem for you. At some point you may no longer be able to unlock the door. If you don’t want this to occur, you’ll need to do something about it.

Car Locks and Colder Weather

This can really frustrate you! If you have a problem gaining access into your vehicle this is likely because your locks have frozen. It is the moisture inside the lock that makes it difficult and sometimes, impossible to unlock the lock with your key or even remotely. As odd as this might sound, heating up the key before you place it in the keyhole just might do the trick. While this doesn’t always help, it certainly wouldn’t hurt to try it out to see what happens. A motorist with a newer model vehicle can often start their car remotely. If this is the case for you then the engine will heat up your vehicle thus possibly unfreezing the locks. We would suggest that you try these methods to see if you are able to unlock the lock. If you are not then do not hesitate to get in contact with our locksmiths at Suwanee Locksmith LLC for additional assistance.

Preventative Measures

Just because you have never experienced any of these issues involving your locks doesn’t mean that it can’t eventually happen to you one day. You likely have no idea just how frustrating this problem can be unless it has actually happened to you. If you don’t want this to happen to you then there are some preventative measures that you can take. Start by making sure that you know exactly who you can rely on for your service needs by selecting a reputable locksmith. If you have tried everything and you can’t get the lock to work, it may be necessary to reach out to a locksmith in your area. None are more reputable and reliable than we are. We’re always here for you when you need us due to the inability to gain access due to weather.

Our locksmiths understand the many problems that can occur do to an issue with wooden doors and they know what you can do to avoid this from happening. It may be necessary for you to have the locks of your wooden door replaced. There are also various types of doors that are less prone to weather related issues that you can have installed. You can choose between a steel or fiberglass door that will not have the same affect due to the weather. Manufacturers have even made doors that resemble wooden doors so you can still have the same look but without the headache.

Lubricating the locks of your doors is another way to prevent the locks from being affected by the weather outside. This helps even with the weather changes. The best way to lubricate your locks is to have the lock disassembled. If you’re not familiar with how this works then just give one of our locksmiths a call and let us help you with your lock lubricating needs. It doesn’t matter the type of locks that you have, they are more useful when they are regularly lubricated. We offer practical solutions for your weather related lock issues. 

 

Visit the source article: The Affect of Weather On Your Locks

8/13/2019

What to Do With Old Keys

If you have a junk drawer or a similar spot in your home where a lot of clutter gathers, you may have a few keys that you’re not sure of the origins of. Most of us accumulate a few keys over time, and we tend to hold on to them You may even have quite a few, depending on how much you’ve moved, how many cars you’ve owned, and other factors. Most people have at a least a few old keys lying around that they no longer want or need, but you might keep them for nostalgic purposes, because you’re not sure if you still need them, or are holding on to them “just in case” along with your other clutter, read on to see what to do with your old keys. You can follow this process whether you’re dealing with automotive, residential, safe, or other keys. 

If the Key is Damaged

It’s important to be careful when you discard any key that fits your current locks, even if it’s damaged in some way. You shouldn’t continue to use a damaged key, once you notice an issue, as it can cause additional trouble with the lock it is associated with if you continue to use it. This can lead to you having to replace the lock, which is usually more expensive than just replacing the keyA damaged key can be used to make a perfectly functional new copy. It’s never a good idea to just throw your keys in the trash, because you never know where they may wind up. You may assume they’ll get lost in the landfill, but that’s not always the case. If your key is damaged but still functional, consider recycling it using the process stated below or otherwise disposing of it in a safe way. 

Reusing Old Keys

If you have just a few keys lying around, you may be able to put them to creative purposes, especially if they have a unique design. If you’re naturally creative, a quick Google search can inspire ideas of how to use old keys to enhance craft projects. You may be able to craft a new necklace, an ornament, or other eye-catching pieces from your discarded keys. Old, skeleton-style keys are usually the most decorative and can make very interesting elements in art. Some collectors even desire to acquire antique skeleton keys. If you have older keys that have found their way into your home for whatever reason, it may pay to look around the internet to see if there are any sites that are willing to purchase old keys. 

If You Have a Lot of Junk Keys

If you’ve amassed a large collection of useless keys for whatever reason, and you want to dispose of them in a way that keeps them out of the trash but eliminates the clutter, there are a few options you can consider. Curbside recycling service that you set out with your trash usually prohibits including scrap metal, which includes old keys. If you’re still interested in recycling your keys, though, most recycling centers accept junk keys free of charge and you can drop them off any time the center is open. You will usually be directed to place them in a specific metals bin.

One restriction on this is automotive transponder keys and other keys that come with electronic chips installed. These are more complicated to recycle, in part because of the addition of plastic to protect the chip in the fob. However, an internet search will allow you to find local and international programs that accept old chip keys for recycling. Some car dealerships also have transponder key recycling programs. 

Some charities also accept old keys for different purposes. It’s worth it to contact charities local to your area to inquire about whether or not they will accept old keys. Some recycle the keys to raise funds for different worthy causes. Not only will you have peace of mind that your old keys are appropriately disposed of, but the pride in knowing that you helped with a charitable cause. 

While it may seem like a hassle to visit your recycling center just to drop off a few keys, aim to make it a part of an overall push toward more sustainable living. 

Why You Shouldn’t Just Trash Old Keys

Most people nowadays are becoming more conscious of their direct effect on the environment. Throwing keys in the trash just contributes to refuse in landfills. While this may not seem like a big deal, especially since keys are so small, this adds up significantly over time. Most keys are made of metal, which is an extremely recyclable material in most cases. Environmental protection experts recommend that all such highly recyclable items be kept out of landfills at all cost. Keeping keys out of landfills helps you do your part of helping the environment. Every eco-conscious step counts, no matter how small it may seem to you at the time.

In Conclusion

Disposing of old, useless keys can seem like a nuisance, but by following the steps in this guide, you can get the job done while knowing you’re helping the environment. If you’re looking to replace your current keys for any reason, need a lock rekeyed, or another service regarding your locks and keys from a professional locksmith, contact a reputable local company, such as Suwanee Locksmith LLC of the Atlanta, Georgia area, for best results.

Today’s locksmith service providers aren’t limited to only changing locks, replacing keys, and helping with emergency locksmiths. While not all companies are on equal footing, today’s top locksmiths are focused on providing complete security solutions for residential, commercial, and automotive customers. This includes not only manual lock and key hardware but also all forms of electronic locks. Some locksmiths also include advanced solutions that go beyond the foundation of lock security, and include security cameras, alarm systems, and electronic access control. A locksmith is the perfect partner to allow you to reach your home security goals, no matter your budget.

 

Visit the source link:

What to Do With Old Keys

Suwanee Locksmith, LLC

Suwanee Locksmith, LLC offers everything that you are looking for right here. From insured and certified experts to solutions that actually...