Upgrade Your Locksmith to Upgrade to Mortise Locks

Replacing a standard cylindrical door lock with a mortise lock can seem like a simple decision. For some people, a mortise lock just looks better; others may like the fact that, with a mortise lock, they can use one turn of one key to get the security of both a latch and a bolt. But unless you turn to an expert locksmith to get the job done, that "simple" decision can quickly get complicated and expensive.

If you're a homeowner, you don't want to have to pay to meet all the restrictions and local ordinances that a business owner has to deal with. And likewise, the last thing an entrepreneur wants to find out is that a brand-new mortise lock has to be pulled out and replaced because the first one wasn't up to code.

Switching from a cylindrical to a mortise door lock also requires a locksmith who knows a thing or two about carpentry or metal-working. Multiple cuts to door hardware are needed when changing locks like this, and customers rightly expect the results to show a professional, high-quality appearance.

And when you choose Bill's Mobile Lock, that's exactly what you get. Call us today 734-421-1230 or visit us at www.billsmobilelock.net to find out how we can help with all your security needs.

A Healthy Approach to Hospital Security

Many people know that hospitals take special care to keep patient records confidential and safe, but that's really just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the security of healthcare facilities. The buildings themselves can require a wide range of different types of hardware in different departments to keep everyone and everything adequately protected. Further, national and local rules and regulations also must be taken into account.

The expert team at Bill's Mobile Lock knows what it takes to provide up-to-date hospital security and can work with clients to make it happen. As just one example, hospitals often use drugs that need to be both refrigerated and secure. Our team can achieve this with hardware like the CompX eLock, which provides audit trails, a temperature monitor/alarm and keypad/prox/magstripe access.

To help with your hospital security headaches, take two aspirin and call us in the morning at 734-421-1230—or visit us online at www.billsmobilelock.net.www.billsmobilelock.net.

Want Wireless? Try Trilogy.

For high-performance, low-cost door security, Bill's Mobile Lock is proud to recommend two new Trilogy Networx systems (DL6100 and PL6100) from the electronic-access experts at Alarm Lock.

Trilogy brings all the benefits of wireless-lock technology to the company's proven line of door-security products. That means you get lower installation costs and easy retrofits along with Grade 1 BHMA certification, the ability to support up to 5,000 users and the power to handle a 35,000-event audit trail. In addition, The systems are easy to run on a PC, thanks to Alarm Lock's DL Windows software.

Each Trilogy lock takes about an hour to install and runs on four "C" batteries, which the company claims is enough for five years of functionality.

Focusing on "stile" as well as substance, Alarm Lock has also introduced a new line of simple-to-use Narrow Stile Exit Trim pushbutton locks. Designed to resist vandalism while being compatible with many major brands of panic-exit devices, the Narrow Stile locks can support up to 2,000 users and a 40,000-event audit trail.

For more information on Alarm Lock products like the Trilogy Networx, or assistance with any of your residential or business security needs, contact us at 734-421-1230 or visit www.billsmobilelock.net.

Exit Security in a Snapshot

For many business owners, there's a certain time of day when even the strongest exit locks just can't provide all the security you need. That's during working hours, when you need to open your front doors to the customers that keep you in business in the first place.

The solution: Camden Door Controls' new CV-EX36 doorframe camera. This high-resolution CCTV camera is designed to snap images of people right as they leave your store or business.

The actual CV-EX36 camera is hidden within the kind of "height strip" often found at store exits, so it's very unobtrusive. Yet it's also highly effective, even in low-light situations. The system is flexible as well, so it can be used with either a stand-alone monitor/DVR combination or as part of a more comprehensive CCTV system.

Either way, the CV-EX36 doorframe camera a great addition to any business' security strategy and can be expertly installed by the team at Bill's Mobile Lock. Just call us at 734-421-1230 or visit www.billsmobilelock.net for more information.

Exit alarms standards raised

Exit security, including exit locks, exit alarms and alarms for exit devices, is an important part of many business owners' toolkit. The proper hardware can protect both valuable property and, when used with fire doors, people's lives. That makes it crucial that your exit hardware is up to industry standards, which have recently changed for the first time since 2002.

In fact, the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association, the organization accredited by ANSI to oversee product standards for architectural hardware, made a number of enhancements to exit security standards, including adding new tests for preload, key cylinder operation and outside pull.

That means that as good as your current exit safety was when you bought it, it still might not be up to today's more rigorous benchmarks. And that means it might be time to call Bill's Mobile Lock for a consultation. Our security professionals can help you determine if you need an upgrade and, if so, what security products best meets both your needs and your budget. Bill's Mobile Lock is also your source for new construction security needs, with the ability to sell, install and service the latest in exit security hardware.

For more information, contact us today at 734-421-1230 or visit online at www.billsmobilelock.net

Bill's best bets for safes

While our last entry dealt with some of the things you should look for when shopping for safes, this one will provide some tips on what safes to look for.

If you need an all-in-one unit that offers protection against both theft and fire, Bill's Mobile Lock can recommend AMSEC's line of CSC Composite Safes. These will protect your valuables against heat of up to 1700 degrees F for two hours.

For more unique needs, Fort Knox Security Products offers a selection of gun safes and heirloom safes to go with their "standard" home safes. These products are designed specifically for custom uses and include attractive finishes to go with their effective protection and fireproofing features.

The Gary line from FireKing also includes specific-use safes, but these are oriented more towards the office. Front-deposit safes, executive safes, laptop safes and more are available, and all deliver high levels of security in a small package.

And if you're ready to step up to more serious levels of security with safes that have passed stringent Underwriters Laboraties' TL testing, Bill's Mobile Lock can help with this, too. Just call us at 734-421-1230 or visit us at:

www.billsmobilelock.net

Safe Shopping Tips

When it comes to buying safes, customers need to beware of products that don't live up to their name—differently rated safes mean different levels of safety for your valuables.

First, a safe designed to offer protection against burglary won't necessarily protect your valuables from fire, and vice versa. To maximize your security, consider getting a safe rated to withstand both.

And speaking of ratings, both insurance companies and Underwriter's Laboratories (UL) offer them, and you should be aware of the differences. Most "big box" stores offer only B- and C-rated safes, which require UL-rated lock hardware, but don't have to undergo any physical testing.

To see how a safe stands up to this kind of testing, look for a UL listing label: A safe labeled a Residential Security Container has resisted entry for five minutes in a UL test using specific tools and methods; a TL-15 safe can resist entry for 15 minutes; a TL-30 for 30 minutes, etc.

Fire protection information should also be on the safe's label, providing information about how long it was tested, at what temperature it was tested and the highest internal temperature measured during the test. Be especially careful about storing items like computer discs and similar media, which may need special humidity protection, too.

If this sounds a little confusing, there's an easy way to make sure you get the right safe for your needs: Call Bill's Mobile Lock (734-421-1230) and talk to one of our friendly, trustworthy professionals. We'll provide the right combination of customer service and locksmith expertise!


www.billsmobilelock.net

Grade 2 locks can be No. 1 for cost-effective security

In tough times like these, it's no surprise that most people are looking for ways to cut expenses. But when it comes to home security, sometimes spending just a little more now can stop you from having to pay a lot more later.

For example, a Grade 2 deadbolt lock is only about $10-$15 more than a Grade 3 deadbolt—the kind installed on most homes and sold in most big-box hardware stores. But the difference in the amount of security they provide can be priceless.

If you've got a Grade 3 lock on your front door, a thief could get inside within seconds using an ice pick and hammer. Then, once inside, chances are that the intruder will make away with a lot more than $10-$15 worth of your belongings.

Oh, didn't know there were different grades of locks? Many people don't; but you can be sure the experts at Bill's Mobile Lock do. If you're interested in more information about Grade 2 locks—or have any other home, mobile or commercial security concerns—give us a call at 734-421-1230 or visit: www.billsmobilelock.net.

Cabinet locks: A new alternative

When it comes to security, size doesn’t matter: you may have a small enclosure—from a cash drawer to a mobile drug cart—but still need a lock solution that offers big-time features. And that’s where the new RCI 3511 cabinet lock comes in.

The 3511 boasts a holding force of 180 lbs. and is suitable for enclosures with either wood or metal finishes. It also features a mechanical override in case of emergency, with the benefit that the override requires minor drilling, making it impossible for someone to use the override without being noticed. (Note that the drilling does not harm the lock.)

iButton technology is incorporated to handle up to 160 different users, and the 3511 has an innovative key-management system that makes programming simple. Plus, because it’s battery-operated, the lock doesn’t have to rely on an external power source.

The battery itself is good for up to three years/350,000 operations. Then, to warn users about low-battery life, an LED light comes on when about 50,000 operations remain.

RCI, formerly known as Rutherford Controls, is a long-time industry leader in electric-locking hardware, and the 3511 looks to be another winner from this established company. To find out more about how the 3511 can meet your security needs contact us today at 734-421-1230 or visit:

www.billsmobilelock.net

Difficult times call for rethinking retail security

Shoplifters can be a problem for the most security-conscious retailers even in good times. And in today’s economy, the challenges are even greater. Shoplifting losses have a bigger impact on the bottom line when business is down, which is also when the number of people who try shoplifting goes up.

Just look at the statistics: According to a recent article in “The National Locksmith,” shoplifters steal some $35 billion from retailers each year. And the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention reports that most of these people aren’t professional criminals; they shoplift “as a response to social and personal pressures in their life.”

For retailers, this means now is the time to take another look at the security of your store’s exits—especially those that would make tempting escape routes for shoplifters on the run.

At Bill’s Mobile Lock, we’re ready to help. Our team can help you decide what kind of exit alarm or alarmed exit hardware is best for your store, install what you need and then provide you with ongoing professional service.

Call us today to learn more!

www.billsmobilelock.net

Why ASSA ABLOY?

The team at Bill’s Mobile Lock is a big supporter of ASSA ABLOY products, and with good reason: The company is the world’s top manufacturer and supplier of locks, and an international leader in security technology.

And we’re not alone in preferring ASSA ABLOY for comprehensive security needs. When China was recently looking for a company that could provide security solutions for its new China Central Television (CCTV) building, designed by award-winning architect Rem Koolhaas and his Office for Metropolitan Architecture, ASSA ABLOY was the only choice.

Competing against top security companies from around the globe, ASSA ABLOY won the contract and is providing Yale mortise locks, door closers, panic devices and more for the 12,000-door building. (Yale is now part of the ASSA ABLOY group of companies.)

Bill’s Mobile Lock is proud to offer our customers security products backed by the same kind of global quality. Not only do we offer ASSA High Security Locks, but we’re also an authorized dealer for Mul-T-Lock, another important member of the ASSA ABLOY family.

To find out how we can use internationally tested products like these to meet your security needs—even if they’re for something a bit smaller than a 1.8-million-square-foot Chinese TV facility—contact us today at 734-421-1230.

www.billsmobilelock.net

Better security could be just a "Cliq" away

Looking for a lock system that mixes the benefits of both mechanical and electronic security options? Take a look at the new Cliq technology introduced by ASSA.

ASSA calls Cliq "an intelligent security system" that "retains a high level of security despite upgrading, alterations or expansion."

With the system, the keys have the same proven mechanical design found in ASSA's well-respected Twin key setups. (In fact, Cliq technology can be easily tied into specific Twin Max Master Key systems.) But the company then takes security into the 21st century by including a memory chip—containing an electronic side code—in the key bow for the advantages of an electronic security solution.

The Cliq system runs on simple-to-use software that can generate both a cylinder audit trail, which tracks the outcome every time a key—even an incorrect key—is inserted into the cylinder, and a key audit trail, which tracks the outcome every time the specific key is inserted into a Cliq cylinder. Installation is also simple, since existing door prep can often be used, and wires aren't necessary: the Cliq key uses a battery to power the Cliq cylinder's built-in electronics package, and the electronic components in both the key and cylinder are highly miniaturized.

If you're interested in learning how ASSA's Cliq technology can improve your security, call us today at 734-421-1230 for more details.

www.billsmobilelock.net

Wireless access: Is it right for you?

Like just about everything else in the world today, access control is going "high tech." New wireless systems that use Wi-Fi capabilities are hitting the market, offering a fresh solution when physically wiring (or re-wiring) a facility isn't an option.

If you're considering one of these systems, also consider:

Battery life: How often will you have to replace batteries at the locks? Does the system require regular, off-the-rack batteries or more expensive ones?
Hardware and software: Does the system operate on 802.11 b/g open-standard technology or the lock company's proprietary technology?
Scalability: Is the system a good fit and easy to integrate within your overall approach to access control?

At Bill's Mobile Lock, we can help you sort through these issues, and others, so you can decide if wireless access control meets your specific needs. If you choose to go wireless, we'll promptly and professionally install a system that gets the job done for you. And if you don't, Bill's Mobile Lock can provide a number of high-quality, high-security alternatives from top-name security companies.

Check out our Web site or call us today at 734-421-1230!


www.billsmobilelock.net

Keypad access: A simple solution

www.billsmobilelock.net

If one of your employees or a family member has lost the keys to your business or home, there's no telling who might end up with them. We can put in new locks for you, but what if it happens again? And again?

An easy way to permanently solve this problem is the use of keypad access. It's an excellent choice for many types of security situations, whether used as a standalone device or as part of a larger system.

A "key" benefit: The everyday user doesn't have to worry about losing or misplacing keys, and, just as importantly, neither does the business owner or person in charge of controlling access. Getting into a building secured by keypad access only requires a simple code,* while changing who gets access can be easily done using a central computer or right at the lock.

Today's keypads are robust enough to stand up to extreme temperatures, while also technologically advanced enough to provide activity logs that keep track of who is using them and when.

For all the details on how keypads can improve your security, contact Bill's Mobile Lock at 734-421-1230.

*"Keypads" can also include card readers and the latest cutting-edge biometric "fingerprint" reader locks.

The "Bumpy" Road to Better Security

I don't know how you feel about scary movies, but take a look at this:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hr23tpWX8lM

It's a report on "lock bumping," a simple technique criminals across the country are using to defeat standard pin-tumbler door locks on homes and businesses. In fact, some 95% of such locks can be beaten this way, even those advertised as having "bump-proof" features.

It's also hard to tell whether a lock has been "bumped" or just left unlocked—and many insurance companies won't pay if they think a robber took advantage of an unlocked door.

Updating your locks is less expensive than replacing stolen property if your insurance company won't pay up, and a lot less hassle even if it does. It's also a small price to pay for the added personal security.

At Bill's Mobile Lock, we can help protect you—and your loved ones—against lock bumping with security solutions that don't use pin tumblers and are therefore truly bump proof.


www.billsmobilelock.net

Welcome to Bill's Mobile Locksmith Service

Bill's Mobile Lock services Wayne County, Michigan and the surrounding areas. We are fully insured, bonded and a certified register locksmith. Bill's Mobile Lock is your key to total security.

www.billsmobilelock.net