Misplacing a key to your home is never a good thing. Aside from the added level of worry, the decision to replace your locks or rekey your locks can be a difficult one to make. To some people reading this, this may be the first time they’ve ever heard the term rekeying your locks. More times than not, homeowners opt to replace the entire lock instead of having their locks rekeyed.

In some cases, it might be a wise choice to opt to have your locks rekeyed rather than having the entire lock replaced. For those homeowners who are unsure which decision to make, don’t worry, we’re going to give you the pros and cons of rekeying your locks and why homeowners choose to have their locks rekeyed instead of replaced.

What does it mean to have my locks rekeyed?

 Rekeying a lock essentially helps keep the same lock you have right now, but the lock will then be adjusted to work with a different key. Rekeying a lock does not compromise the security of your lock or home. Homeowners sometimes choose to opt for rekeying their locks instead of replacing due to it being the cost-effective solution.

The process of rekeying a lock can be difficult to accomplish with little background knowledge of locksmithing. If you are confident when it comes to dealing with locks, rekeying can be done at home yourself. However, the experts here at Mike’s Lock Shop, the leading provider of commercial locksmith services in Philadelphia, have years of experience of rekeying locks all across the Delaware Valley.

Pros: 

• Increased Sense of Security – Following losing a key to your home or moving into a new home, all homeowners should immediately decide to replace or rekey their locks.

• Cost-Effective – As we mentioned above, opting to have your locks rekeyed instead of replaced can help keep some cash in your wallet.

• Quick and Easy – When conducted by a locksmith, the process of rekeying a lock is fairly quick and easy.

Cons:

• No Security Upgrade – The only con of having your locks rekeyed, is that your home’s security does not go up at all. Now, we’re not saying your home isn’t safe by any means, however, choosing to opt of out replacing your locks limits you from getting a new more secure lock.

For more information on Mike’s Lock Shop, the leading Philadelphia commercial locksmith, browse our website!

With over an estimated 300 million firearms in the United States alone, gun safety is something that should be taught to everyone; regardless if they own a gun or not. Here are seven rules that can’t help keep you safe while handling a firearm.

• Always Assume a Gun Is Loaded – We all know the funny joke about making assumptions, but when it comes to dealing with guns, you must ALWAYS assume a gun is loaded. Hundreds of people die in the US every year due to accidental firearm deaths, many of which come from not knowing a gun was loaded.

• Finger off the Trigger – It is very important that from the moment you hold your very first gun that you never put your finger on the trigger until you are ready to fire the weapon. Putting your finger on trigger early can lead to an accidental discharge of the weapon.

• Keep the Gun Pointed in a Safe Direction – There is no excuse for not handling a firearm in a serious and responsible manner. Remember always to keep your firearm in a safe direction when handling the weapon.

• Keep the Gun Unloaded and Stored – There is no reason to have a gun loaded until you are ready to fire the weapon in a safe environment. You should also have your weapon stored in a gun safe, which you can purchase at Mike’s Lock Shop.

• Never Point the Gun – Never point the gun at anything or anyone. It is important never to point the gun at anyone, but you should also never point the gun at anything unless you plan to shoot it. Of course, it is okay to point the gun at the walls in your own home while cleaning the weapon to maintain the gun is in good working condition and that the sights are lined up and accurate.

• Use Proper Ammo – It is important to always use the right ammunition for your weapon. There are dozens of different types of ammo, and using the wrong one can cause serious damage to your weapon, and even worse, you. It is on you to find out which ammunition goes best with your firearm.

• Don’t Rely on the Gun’s Safety – Just because the gun’s safety is on doesn’t mean you can run around with a live firearm and play army man. A gun is not a toy and should never be treated as such. Just because the gun’s safety is on doesn’t mean you can do whatever you want. You are the one who pulls the trigger, no one else.

Gun safety is something we take very seriously here at Mike’s Lock Shop. Aside from being the leading provider of car key programming in Montgomery County and the surrounding area, we also take home safety and gun safety very seriously. We offer a variety of different gun safes for you to store your weapon safely.

For more information on the full list of services we offer or for more information on electronic car key copying services in Yardley, PA, contact our experts today!

Whether it’s for hunting or home protection, many Americans choose to keep firearms in their home for a number of reasons. However, it’s undeniable that owning a gun can spell danger if the homeowners have not taken the proper precautions to ensure that their children, pets, and neighbors are safe when they are in their home. As a gun owner, you need to take special care to make sure that your firearm is secure and out of harm’s way. Here are some of the first steps that you can take to make sure that your gun is secure when you’re in the home and when you’re out.

• Check your outdoor locks. One of the most dangerous situations that you can put your family in is having your firearm laying around should a robbery or burglary occur. Making sure that all your locks on your home (including all windows and doors) are in good working order is one of the strongest things that you can do to prevent burglaries and robberies. Set aside time to regularly ensure that your locks are functioning as needed. If you notice that one or two need a tune-up, a commercial locksmith in Philadelphia can have them fixed quickly and effectively, increasing the safety of your home.

• Have a secure gun safe. With no exceptions, your firearms should always be locked away when not in use. Make sure to install a gun safe in your home, and if you own multiple firearms, double check that they are properly locked up every time you leave your home; this is especially true if you are leaving children with a babysitter. If you don’t already have a gun safe, our experts here at Mike’s Lock Shop can help you to choose the best option for your collection.

• Teach your children about proper gun safety. The unfortunate victims of many accidental gun injuries are young children under the age of five. Teach your children proper gun safety, and make sure that they know never to touch a gun at home or at a friend’s house. Instruct them to tell an adult they trust if they see a gun; this will help to avoid accidental injuries both in the home and outside.

Want to learn more about locking systems and gun safes that will make your home safer? Contact our experts here at Mike’s Lock Shop to learn more!

At Mike’s Lock Shop, we want your property to be safe this spring. We offer a variety of products and locksmith services such as car key programming in Montgomery County. Not sure where to start? Here are five locking systems to keep your property safe.

If you wish to learn more about these locking systems or get a car key copy in Montgomery County, we encourage you to contact us today!

The new year is quickly approaching and with it brings a time to reflect on the things that we hold dear and how we want to better ourselves. Cutting bad habits, following a new career path, getting your degree and losing weight are some of the common resolutions we make.

At Mike’s Lock Shop, the top commercial locksmith in Philadelphia, we believe that you should also be resolute in making sure your property is properly secured. One terrific way to do just that is by equipping your home or business with electronic locks. Listed below are some reasons why electronic locks make sense for your property.

Double Trouble

Let’s admit it; we’ve all misplaced keys at one point or another. Whether you had to get a new key made for your home or business, this costs time and money. With an electronic lock, you can have peace of mind knowing that all you have to do is type in the correct code. The fear of losing a key and having it end up in the wrong hands is taken out of the equation.

You’re Fired!

You’re a business owner, and you have to get rid of an employee. The task of firing alone is difficult, but the process is made more complicated when they have a set of keys. What if they made their own set? This problem is eliminated if you have an electronic locking system.

Can’t Go There

There are just some areas of your home and business that you don’t want to be accessible to others. An electronic lock is the perfect choice for restricting access to a private office, garage, cabinets or storage room. You have complete control over the master code and who goes where.

Frequent Visitors

Giving a code to frequent visitors such as the cleaning crew, landscapers, dog walkers and other guests makes it easier for all parties involved. This simple four digit code is easier for your recurring guests than having to remember which set of keys is for your property. Remember, you can always change the code!

If you are interested in learning how you can better secure your home for the new year or are in need of commercial locksmith services in Philadelphia, you can reach our helpful staff at Mike’s Lock Shop by calling 215-495-0133.

As the holidays draw nigh, you are focused on buying the perfect gifts, decorating your home and making sure you have the right cookie recipes. However, if you own a home or business, you should also be thinking about how secure your property really is.

Although we get busy and our minds wander during this time of year, we should be cognizant of the increased foot traffic that the holidays bring. Unfortunately, not everyone is interested in spreading holiday cheer. Office parties, big sales events, family get togethers and ugly sweater contests among other festive events increase the chance for thieves to strike.

At Mike’s Lock Shop, we give you the resources to keep your home and business protected from those who are nothing but Grinches. Here are four great products that will help keep your property safe this holiday season.

High-Security Locks

We offer and install high-security locks for residents in Montgomery County, PA and the surrounding areas. High-security locks are perfect for allowing only the people you want on your property. These locks and keys are unique to each client, offer increased protection from lockpicking and are drill-resistant. An access control system is perfect for a business as it’s card access design provides an audit trail with the date, time and employee identification that was used for each door transaction.

Electronic Car Keys and Remotes

Locked out from your vehicle or need a replacement key? Our technicians will supply you with a prompt solution. We take care of all electronic car keys and remotes. You can turn to us for everything from transponder keys to keyless remotes. There is no more need to worry about any issues with your car keys, Mike’s Lock Shop has you covered.

Residential Electronic Push Button Locks

Do you have a problem losing keys or resort to hiding keys in strange places? Residential electronic push button locks are the way to go. These locks can be fitted on most door types and can also be used on lockers, cabinets, garage door and more. These locks are controlled by a code, which can be deleted or changed by the property owner.

Safes

Looking to keep your valuable safe or your guns out of harm’s way? We offer a variety of safes and are authorized to provide direct services on safes manufactured by Gardall Safe Company, American Security Products and Fire King International. We have plenty of safes with different ratings such as RSC (Residential Security Center), TL 15 (jeweler safe), TX (protection from explosives) and TLTR (protection from tool or torch entry). We can work with you to find which safe best suits your needs.

Residential Door Hardware

You will find a variety of different residential decorative door hardware at your disposal when you choose Mike’s Lock Shop. We offer a full line of products from Emtek, Baldwin, Schlage and Kwikset. We have over 100 locks on display at our showroom.

If you are interested in securing your property, you can stop by our showroom, which is conveniently located in Warminster, to take a firsthand look at our products such as high-security locks for your Philadelphia home or business. Give us a call today at 215-495-0133 to learn more!

At Mike’s Lock Shop, we make sure to supply you with the best selection of commercial door locks in Montgomery County, PA. That is why we are a proud Mul-T-Lock factory certified service and installation center. We offer many great Mul-T-Lock products.

As one of only a few Mul-T-Lock service centers in the United States, we believe it is important to educate our clients about Mul-T-Lock’s excellent solution for commercial settings. We sell a wide variety of locking and access control systems from this manufacturer and provide the best locksmith services in the Montgomeryville, PA area. Here are four of their products and how they will secure your business.

Traka 21

Keep track of your keys with Traka 21. With this key management system, you can make sure only people with proper access can use your keys as they are only released from the cabinet with an authorized code. This prevents unwanted entry and keeps your property secure.

Commercial Cylinders

Mul-T-Lock creates commercial cylinders to fit your building’s needs. They can build these cylinders with applications such as:

• Patented key platforms
• FLEX control
• Various keying options

Code-It

Don’t lose sleep thinking that your company’s doors and windows are unlocked. With Code-It, you will be given the peace of mind (and full night’s sleep) you deserve. Code-It is a battery-powered handle that is equipped with automatic locking technology and a unique code that is easy to use but keeps your business secure.

High-Security Padlocks

We sell three lines of Mul-T-Lock high-security padlocks that are mechanical and electromechanical that combine WatchLock and other technology. Their three line of padlocks include:

• NE Series
• C Series
• Hasp Lock

You can learn more about Mike’s Lock Shop’s wide variety of Mul-T-Lock products and the rest of our inventory including high-security locks, fire and gun safes, residential decorative door hardware and multi-level master key systems by calling 215-495-0133, browsing online or visiting our convenient Warminster showroom.

We have all seen movies of notorious thieves and burglars. Although we never hope to get robbed, we are drawn to these larger than life stories. The dazzling details of pulling off a heist and the thrilling stories grab our attention. Here are eight of the most notorious and interesting thieves.

• Bonnie and Clyde: We start our list with the most well-known partners in crime, Bonnie and Clyde. During the Depression Era (1932-34), the couple was allegedly responsible for several robberies and kidnappings that included at least 14 murders. Multiple movies were made about them.

• John Dillinger: Staying in the Depression Era, our next thief is John Dillinger. In less than a year, Dillinger and his gang killed 10 men and wounded seven more when robbing 24 banks and police arsenals and orchestrating three jailbreaks. Famous actor Johnny Depp played Dillinger in the 2009 film, Public Enemies.

• Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid: Hollywood has also told the story of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, who were played by Paul Newman and Robert Redford in the 1967 Oscar-winning film. The two thieves headed the Wild Bunch gang which robbed banks and trains in the early 1900s before evading police by escaping to South America.

• Vincenzo Perugia: The Mona Lisa is perhaps the most recognizable piece of art ever created. Vincenzo Perugia actually stole it in 1911 by hiding in the Louvre, Paris’ famous art museum. Once the museum closed, he took the painting and hid it with his smock, which was similar to what the Louvre employees wore. After grabbing the Mona Lisa, he proceeded to exit with no problems. Two years later, he attempted to sell the painting to an art dealer, who turned him into the police. Interestingly enough, he only served close to eight months in jail for the crime.

• The Pink Panthers: The distinction of the world’s most successful diamond thieves goes to the Pink Panthers, a large gang of close to 200 people who have committed upwards of 300 armed robberies and thefts across the world. The group earned its name after Milan Jovetic was arrested after a blue diamond was found in his girlfriend’s jar of face cream, a nod to the Pink Panther movie. The Pink Panthers is known for their style, using disguises such as Hawaiian tourists, workmen and golfers and various escape methods.

• Doris Payne: Since the 1950s, Doris Payne has reportedly stolen $2 million in jewels at different high-end jewelry stores across the globe in cities such as New York, London, Rome and Paris. After serving three months in jail in 2014, the 85-year-old struck again by stealing a $690 pair of earrings in Atlanta before returning to prison.

• Leonardo Notarbartolo: This list would be incomplete without Leonardo Notarbartolo. He is known as the leader of the School of Turin and architect of the Antwerp diamond heist, the largest in history. He and his five-man crew stole diamonds, gold and jewelry valued at $100 million from the Antwerp Diamond Centre in Belgium in February of 2003. Notarbartolo was arrested but eventually released on parole. He claimed that the School of Turin was hired and the crime was insurance fraud. The diamonds are still missing.

• Blane Nordahl: Closing out our list is Blane Nordahl. Known as the Silver Thief, Nordahl stole silver items from celebrities such as Steven Spielberg, Bruce Springsteen, Ivana Trump and Billy Joel.

At Mike’s Lock Shop, we help ward off thieves with our extraordinary residential and commercial locksmith services for the Philadelphia region. You can turn to us for high-quality locking systems such as safes, keypad locks, intruder lever locks, ADA compliant hardware, storefront hardware, automatic door openers, panic exit devices, continuous hinges, mortise locks, exit alarm locks, heavy duty padlocks and much more.

You can learn more about Mike’s Lock Shop, the top residential and commercial locksmith in Philadelphia, by calling 215-672-3100 or visiting online.

Since 1972, Mike’s Lock Shop has proudly provided Philadelphia, Bucks County and Montgomery County with expert locksmith services. We make it a priority to continue learning about the latest trends, technology and strategies to give you the best service possible. We are dedicated to receiving the best training and instruction for products such as commercial door locks for Philadelphia and our safes for Bucks County.

We are members of four different groups that promote innovation and professional excellence. Listed below are summaries of these associations and their purpose.

Greater Philadelphia Locksmith’s Association

The Greater Philadelphia Locksmith’s Association, founded in 1949, has three purposes, according to the latest revision of their bylaws. Their purpose is:

1. To inspire public confidence and reliance upon the locksmith craft by educating the public and public officials in security improvement and enhancement.
2. To exchange technical information and data with other members of the Association.
3. To render to its members reasonable assistance in order to improve service to and the security of the public.

The organization keeps locksmiths connected, helps people find reliable locksmiths in the area and provides information and data that educates locksmiths.

Associated Locksmiths of America

The Associated Locksmiths of America provide companies and individuals with information and various levels of security training. Their mission statement reads as,

“The mission of ALOA, as dedicated members of the locksmith/security industry, is to ensure professional excellence and ethics; create a public demand for professional locksmith services; represent and speak for the locksmith/security industry; and expand the exchange of trade information and knowledge with other related organizations to preserve and enhance the industry.”

This organization makes the case for using a professional locksmith and provides the resources for joining and starting a local chapter.

Safe and Vault Technicians Association

The Safe and Vault Technicians Association, a division of ALOA,  is the world’s leading trade association that serves professional safe and vault technicians. Their goal is to further knowledge and promote professionalism.

To learn more about our membership with these three organizations or our products such as commercial door locks in Montgomery County, PA, you can call 215-672-3100 or visit our website.

Mike’s Lock Shop strives to keep people safe with premier locksmith services for the Montgomery County, PA region. Whether you need to protect your business or want your home to have added security, we provide many different locking system solutions for you.

With over 3,000 different types of key blanks and many styles of door hardware, our commitment to your safety is unmatched.

So what should you get installed to better protect your home or business? Listed below are five of our quality locking system solutions.

High-Security Locks

We provide high-security locks that utilize cutting edge technology to keep you and your property safe. These locks are unique to each client and protect you from lock picking and drilling. The keyway is also patented to ensure that keys cannot be duplicated without your knowledge. You can choose a lock that is accessed by a customized card, code or fingerprint.

Restricted Keys

Our restricted keys give you the ability to control who gets keys and who doesn’t. You will no longer have to change the locks when an employee leaves your company. You can control access to each door in your facility and allow only the authorized personnel to enter. We sell Mul-T-Lock, Medeco and Schlage products. We are also one of a few factory certified Mul-T-Lock CLIQ Service Centers in the United States.

Safes

You can protect your precious belongings from burglary and fire with a fire-rated safe. We provide a number of different types of safes and various sizes from manufacturers such as American Security Products, Gardall Safe Company and Fire King International. We also sell gun safes that are designed for your collection and restricting access to others.

Industrial and Institutional Hardware

We offer many different types of industrial and institutional hardware to keep your facility safe. Our line of products includes panic exit devices, heavy duty lever locks, automatic door operators, door closers, heavy duty padlocks, continuous hinges, intruder lever locks, mortise locks, exit alarm locks and much more. We will install, repair and rekey all of these products.

Residential Decorative Door Hardware

You can select the decorative door hardware that fits your style. We provide a full line of Emtek decorative door hardware and also sell Baldwin, Schlage and Kwikset products. Stop by our showroom and see which product is best for your home.

To learn more about our products or locksmith services for the Montgomeryville, PA region, you can call us at 215-672-3100 or visit online at https://accesslocktech.com/.