Need to Replace Your Entry Lock? Consider an Electronic Lock for Safety and Convenience

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If you've lived in your home for a long time and have never changed your entry lock, there could be several copies of keys floating around among family members and friends. It can make you feel uneasy knowing someone else has keys to your home. Even if you trust them, they could lose the key or someone could steal it from them. One way to eliminate this worry is to start fresh by installing a new lock. If you install an electronic lock, you can prevent the problem from happening in the future too, since these locks don't even use keys. Here are a few things to know about electronic locks.

Eliminates Problems With Keys

If you're the type of person who is always misplacing things, like keys, you'll love having an electronic lock. You don't need to use a key at all to lock or unlock your door. Instead, the lock utilizes a numeric touchpad, and you unlock the door by entering your personal PIN code. There is no more worry about lost keys or other people having keys to your home.

Instead of loaning someone a key, you can give them a PIN number instead. Each person in your family can have their own PIN, and it can be disabled if necessary. For instance, if you discover your teen gave a friend the PIN, you can change it as easy as pushing a button. If you relied on a traditional key system, you'd need to have the lock rekeyed or replaced.

An electronic lock makes it convenient and safer for you to give neighbors temporary access to your home when you go on vacation. Plus, you can give a PIN to a housecleaning service or a contractor and delete it when the work is done.

Quality Construction is Important

An electronic lock works on all types of doors and frames. You can replace your current lock with an electronic version with no problem. However, be aware there are differences when it comes to quality. An electronic lock won't enhance your security if you buy an inexpensive model that can be kicked in or drilled out. For that reason, you should buy a quality lock that's been tested for durability. You can buy one without a cylinder that can't be picked, unless you prefer having a key option as a backup. The strength of the strike plate is important because this is what keeps the lock from being kicked in.

Also, you want to buy a standalone lock that doesn't depend on your home's power to operate. Otherwise, your lock won't open if there is a power failure. Some locks are completely manual and don't require power at all. Others use batteries, which you'll want to keep fresh so the lock works properly.

An electronic lock is very convenient and fits in well with today's hectic lifestyles. However, the most important aspect is that it improves the security of your home by making sure your house keys don't fall into the wrong hands. If you're thinking of changing your entry lock, consider calling a local professional, such as LI Locksmiths Inc.


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