Monday, March 13, 2017

EVALUATE THE LOCK OPTIONS FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Mechanical lock and key systems form the basis of your business security system. Shoplifting and theft of business property are all too common and costly.  Locks and key control is the simplest and most obvious way to ensure that your valuable inventory and equipment are kept safe from burglary, yet not all business owners pay attention to this security measure.
It used to be easy for a burglar to pick a lock or slide a credit card to open a door and gain access to your property. Today’s locks are designed to prevent unauthorized entrance to your property and are very effective.
If it has been a while since your property’s locks and keys have been updated, you may be surprised to see the wide variety of what is available.  Not all locks are the same. Here is an overview of the different lock options available for your business.

Deadbolt lock

Deadbolt locks are a common lock used in commercial buildings. This is an excellent lock because it provides maximum security. Most are either single or double cylinder locks. It works by using the bolt to attach the door into its frame. The deadbolt is opened by a key from the outside but is opened from the inside by a twist of a knob. It has three parts: an outside cylinder that is accessible with the key; a bolt that slides through the doorjamb; and a thumb-turn that can be controlled manually from the inside of the structure. They can be made of brass, bronze or solid steel. 

Mortice locks
If you have glass doors on the front of your building, you may wish to choose a mortise lock. A mortise lock requires a recess or pocket to be cut into the door where the lock is fitted. These locks satisfy insurance and police standards because they have an anti-pick key curtain, anti-drill plates and still pins in the bolt. 

Padlocks

Padlocks are the most commonly used type of locks because they cost less compared to the other types. Padlocks are portable with a  “ U “ shaped shackle that can be passed through an opening They come in different sizes and can be used to secure almost any object which needs to be locked. Some varieties are keyless and need a special number combination to unlock it.

Lever handle
In public buildings, locks must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1980 which forbids locksets that utilize door knobs controlled latches. Instead, lever handles, which are operated by gravity instead of grasping and turning, are preferred.

Electronic locks
An electronic system is used to lock and unlock the system where these electronic locks are installed Some brands are equipped with a device that sends an alarm when it is opened and can only be shut down with a passcode or fingerprint scan. These are expensive and you can choose from either a touch pad or a card system.

Traditional Entry lockset
The traditional entry lock provides a medium level of security. It allows locking from both inside and outside by manipulating its two doorknobs. Usually, the inside knob can be unlocked by pressing a button while its outside knob can be twisted by using a key. Some models require a key for locking on both sides while some come with an inside lock for both sides of the set.

 

After proper locks are installed, key control is essential to making sure that the property remains secure. To make sure keys don't fall into the wrong hands:
  • Issue as few keys as possible.
  • Establish specific rules regarding the "loaning-out" of keys by those to whom they are issued.
  • Take a periodic inventory of keys.
  • Get keys that say "do not duplicate."
  • Control who can make duplicate keys.

Locksmiths have been controlling access to buildings by use of keys and locks for years. Regardless of what kind of locks you choose, you will want to use a fully licensed, bonded and insured. 
for more information about commercial locksmith please visit http://www.locksmithsbradenton.com/commercial-locksmith-.html