Bill's Mobile Lock: The Masters of Master Keying

When you think about, the fact that so many people still rely on common pin tumbler locks and master keying for both business and residential uses in today's digital era is a bit of a surprise. But higher costs for digital locks mean master keying isn't going away anytime soon, which is fine, provided you understand the system's inherent limitations—or hire a professional locksmith that does.

That's when it's time to contact Bill's Mobile Lock, where our expertise makes the difference. For example, we know that every time you cut a different key pattern for a given setup, the risk to your security goes up exponentially; so, we work closely with our clients to understand exactly what their security needs are—and how to meet them—before we get to work.

And we'll use the same proven approach to security if you need us to service an existing master-key system.

Give Bill's Mobile Lock a call at 734-421-1230 to find out more about why we should be your choice for master-key security solutions, and be sure to check us out online at: www.billsmobilelock.net.

Bill's Mobile Lock: A Combination of Skills and Experience

You might think servicing a standard safe with a basic three-wheel combination lock is a simple matter, and it can be—provided your locksmith is already familiar with that particular style of lock. But the thing is, even with the more common three-wheel direct-drive lock, there can be big differences in how their individual mechanisms actually work.

And asking a locksmith to work on a lock when he doesn't understand how that lock works is like expecting a mechanic to know how to fix a car without knowing how the engine works.

Now, we can't promise we'll be familiar with every single lock we come across, but what I can promise is that the team at Bill's Mobile Lock is dedicated to constantly expanding our knowledge about locks of all kinds, old and new. So we read with interest Jeremy Reeder's recent story in Locksmith Ledger International, getting an expert refresher course on anatomy of three high-level three-wheel combinations locks.

If your locksmith doesn't have this kind of material on his or her "must read" list, you should give us a call at 1-734-421-1230 or visit www.billsmobilelock.net.

Why Your Security May "Hinge" on Bill's Mobile Lock

While high-quality locks may be the right place to start in terms of securing your doors, they certainly aren't the place to finish. That's because your doors' hinge can be just as important for protecting both you and your property.

Take fire-rated doors: They come in many shapes and sizes, but usually incorporate one of just three standard hinge types: butt hinges, pivot hinges or a continuous hinge. On the other hand, even with just this trio of options to consider, there are plenty of variables that need to be taken into account.

What is the door made of? Where is it located? How is it attached to its frame? And just looking at butt hinges, the National Fire Protection Association lists a number of specific regulations regarding hole size, hole diameter and hole location. Getting things wrong can prevent a business from opening due to code violations, or even worse could happen if a fire actually occurs and a fire door isn't hung properly.

Bill's Mobile Lock aims to keep you, your family and your business safe and sound by going beyond working on "just" locks: We have the experience and knowledge to be your complete security solution: Just call us at (734) 421-1230 or visit us at www.billsmobilelock.net.

A New Lock for an Old Favorite

The Hon company is known for producing high-quality file cabinets, with certain models—like the F24/F28 vertical cabinets sold after 1988, as well as the Series 100 vertical units—seeing years and years of service in a wide range of applications. But despite being relatively common, servicing these cabinets can require special attention, because they use non-standard cam-style locks that are secured into the cabinet face with a spring clip.

But now there's a fresh new alternative for replacing the original locks on these Hon vertical file cabinets: The Olympus FC10.

It's an excellent choice for providing updated security measures and boasts a number of security-friendly features. For example, the Olympus FC10 can be configured as "keyed alike," "keyed differently," or "master keyed," and it also features a patented cylinder-retainer staple, along with a removable spring retainer, to allow for easy rekeying.

Because the team at Bill's Mobile Lock is committed to keeping up with the latest security products on the market, the Olympus FC10 is just one of many innovative new products we offer our customers everyday. To find out what we can offer you, give us a call at 734-421-1230 or visit: www.billsmobilelock.net.

Tamper-Resistant Screws: When to Use, How to Choose

There's an old saying that's often used when thieves have stripped a place clean: "They took everything that wasn't screwed down." And while that might make you think that something that IS screwed down is safe, that's not the case, even with tamper-resistant screws.

This isn't to say they don't have their place, though. Tamper-resistant screws can be used anywhere you would use a normal screw, the key difference being the head of the former incorporates design features that make them difficult—but not impossible—to loosen without special tools. As a result, they're best thought of as a low-cost option to discourage "casual" vandals who may be out to steal playground equipment or tamper with utility lock boxes and the like.

And one particular benefit with these screws is that most are quick to show evidence of tampering, so routine checks can let you know if someone is trying to defeat your security measures.

But knowing when it's appropriate to use tamper-resistant screws can be a question for the experts, like those at Bill's Mobile Lock. We can provide you with the input you need to decide if these screws are right for your requirements, and then we can provide you with a professional installation and service as well.

For more information, give us a call at 734-421-1230 or visit online at www.billsmobilelock.net.

Today's Rekeyable Locks: Pros and Cons

Let's say you have a rental property, and one of your tenants is moving out, and another moving in. Even if you've got the keys back from the first individual, you want to make sure that person can't use a copy of those keys to regain access. But you also don't want to go through the process of installing new locks every time this sort of situation pops up. The solution: Rekeyable locks from top-name manufacturers like Schlage and Kwikset.

These devices are specifically made to allow customers like you—that is, people who aren't pro locksmiths—to quickly and easily rekey the locks so they only work with new keys, without having to change the locks themselves. More importantly, they boast new mechanisms that are highly bump-resistant, protecting your property against a common technique used to break into homes, apartments and offices throughout the country.

Just remember: The security provided by these rekeyable locks is so impressive that if you have a lockout situation and have lost the master key/rekeying tool, the only way in is by drilling and replacing the lock—even locksmiths won't be able to pick it.

To find out if rekeyable locks are right for your needs, contact Mark at Bill's Mobile Lock today (734-421-1230) or visit online at www.billsmobilelock.net.

IC Lock Systems: Core Benefits

It used to be there was a big trade-off for those managing multiple points of entry to a secure location, whether it was a warehouse, a school building or even an apartment complex. A system that focused on key management provided great security, but it also brought a lot of hassle if you ever needed to install new locks. The alternative was to rely on locks that were easy to change out when necessary, but were likewise easier to defeat.

But interchangeable core (IC) locks, first developed during World War II, are now putting an end to that dilemma. Available from a number of prestigious manufacturers, IC locks offer excellent security features. However, if/when you need to change them, a professional locksmith, using specifically designed keys, can remove only the core of the lock and leave the rest of the hardware in place. That makes the process quicker, easier and less expensive.

To find out if IC locks are right for your needs, or for service on your existing IC locks, be sure to call the pros at Bill's Mobile Lock at (734) 421-1230 or visit us online at: www.billsmobilelock.net.

Key Management Tips From the Pros

If you're overseeing security in an environment that relies on keys—whether they're digital or physical—one thing you don't want to overlook is proper key management.

Experts agree that there are three "key" things to keep in mind here:

Key making—A well-managed key system requires tight control over who can make keys and how they are made.

Key taking—Security should be considered compromised any time a key gets taken out of the hands of its proper user, even before the system is actually breached. Proper key management means being able to verify the right people have the right keys on a regular basis.

Key breaking—In the first place, can you identify a breach in security? It can be tougher than you think, especially with digital keys that may leave no physical evidence of misuse. That's just part of a comprehensive key-management plan that must be in place to help deal with a potential break in the chain of security.

Here's one more tip: If people are depending on you for their security, you can depend on Bill's Mobile Lock for help. And this includes making sure you have the right hardware—or software—you need to make key management more manageable. Call us today at 734-421-1230 or visit us online at: www.billsmobilelock.net

Compx for Cabinets

Closets, cabinets and lockers in kitchens, learning environments and health-care facilities are just some of the more obvious places that can now benefit from wireless security technology by Compx. The company's new StealthLock is designed specifically as an affordable, effective solution to a meet a wide variety of needs.

The keyless, wireless system relies on a small keypad, a strike plate and Compx's unique Receiver Latch, which is mounted inside whatever you want to protect. This, and the hardware's compact size, allows you to benefit from proven security without having a big, ugly piece of equipment on the outside of a cabinet or locker.

Another important advantage of the Compx StealthLock: Three separate, easy-to-program operating modes. In self-lock mode, the Receiver Latch will automatically relock itself in 10 seconds, eliminating the potential for the door to be unintentionally left unlocked. In the passage/manual mode, the system remains unlocked until a specific "lock" command is used. Finally, in single-use mode, the StealthLock allows a user to set a one-time access code for when an item may need only temporary storage, e.g., for a locker in a public library.

The battery-operated StealthLock also features an alarm to remind users to change batteries when they're running low on power and a "breakaway-style" latch that can be forced open in emergencies without ruining either the lock or the container being secured.

For more information on this versatile security solution—or help with any of your business or residential security needs—call Bill's Mobile Lock at 734-421-1230 or visit:
www.billsmobilelock.net

Security for the Security Experts

It's kind of like being a doctor who still smokes cigarettes: There are locksmiths out there who know all about providing airtight security for their clients but don't always follow the same principles themselves. And by not doing so, these folks aren't only putting their own businesses at risk, they're also doing the same to important personal information from the very people they're paid to protect.

That's because in today's computer-oriented world, it can be easy to give into temptation and store customer data—from credit card numbers to key records—on electronic devices that are easy for the wrong people to access. That can leave your customers open to threats like identity theft, with you being held liable in some cases for the damages.

To minimize this risk, I recommend following a few simple guidelines. These include using an off-site third-party to manage your records, keeping detailed records of what files you have, properly deleting/disposing of outdated info you no longer need, implementing passwords for access to confidential information and regularly auditing your security measures to make sure they're still effective.

There's one more, too: Contact the experts at Bill's Mobile Lock for further information about security for the security professional by calling (734) 421-1230 or visiting www.billsmobilelock.net.

A KeySafe for Key Control

It can be a difficult situation: You've got a secure location and you naturally want to keep unwanted intruders out. But on the other hand, you want to make it easy for routine visitors, like delivery people, meter readers or cleanup crews, to get in. And at the same time, you want to avoid the potential trouble that can come with passing out too many copies of your keys.

Well, now there's an easy solution: The GE Security KeySafe P500 is a heavy-duty tamper-resistant, weather-resistant key holder that can be installed on site to provide simple, safe access to your facility for those who need it—and help keep out those who don't.

The P500 can fit both mechanical and electronic keys, and it leverages a 12-character (10 numbers, 2 letters) combination lock for safety. It also features a built-in disengagement mechanism that prevents the unit from being forced open when an incorrect combination is tried.

For an added measure of protection, the P500 can be integrated into an already existing security system so that if someone tampers with the KeySafe, an alarm is triggered.

The GE Security KeySafe P500 is an ideal way to get an added measure of security without adding significantly to your security budget. For more information on this resource or for help with any other security needs, just contact Bill's Mobile Lock at 734-421-1230 or visit us online at www.billsmobilelock.net.

A Low-Cost Option for Low-Risk Security

Even in today's high-tech world, in which high-tech security is commonplace, you can sometimes rely on some old-fashioned hardware to get the job done. The key is knowing when it's the right time to use something like tamper-resistant screws and when it's time to invest in a more robust—but also more expensive—security option.

Tamper-resistant screws are designed to be easy to install but hard to remove, at least without the right tools. Instead of a regular slot or Phillips head, these screws may feature spanner heads, one-way heads or tamper-resistant Allen heads, all of which both require unique tools to unscrew and easily show if someone has tried to force them.

For non-residential applications where you may just be worried about low-grade vandalism, such as vending machine coin returns, these kinds of screws are usually just fine. They provide enough security to prevent loss but without costing so much you spend more on security than on what you're protecting.

On the other hand, it's important to remember your security is only as strong as its weakest link. Consider this scenario: You've got a high-security keypad in place, complete with electromagnetic lock, but the keypad is attached to the door with tamper-resistant screws that are easily accessed by a potential bad guy. Well, you can be sure a pro would be able to quickly unscrew those screws anyway—they're tamper-resistant, not tamper-proof.

Then, after he gets access to the keypad's wiring, he might just be able to cut power to its lock and get in. In other words, this would be one case where something more than tamper-resistant screws would be needed.

At Bill's MobileLock, though, we'll be sure to set you up with the right security options, at the right price, and with the right kind of customer service. Just visit us at www.billsmobilelock.net or call 734-421-1230.

Close Your Security Gap!

It's an unfortunate fact in today's world: If you leave even the slight gap in your commercial facility's security coverage, someone's going to try to take advantage of it. Especially if that "gap" is the space between an outside door and its door jamb.

That's because potential vandals have plenty of tricks for attacking a door's latch or bolt if they can get at it. But don't worry, at Bill's Mobile Lock, our job to make sure they can't.

We have a number of tried-and-true security solutions that have proven to be effective over the years. On some doors, we can use latch-protection hardware that fits on the door itself and extends to cover the space between the door and the jamb. These guards are available in different styles and finishes, and can even include integrated door handles.

Another option is a high-security strike plate that instead of covering the vulnerable area, reinforces it, while also significantly reducing any space between the door and the jamb.

Just as importantly, Bill's Mobile Lock will also provide you with a high-quality installation and customer service you can count on, day or night.

Check us out at www.billsmobilelock.net or call 734-421-1230.

Summer's Coming: Is Your Pool Gate Ready?

With spring now here in full force, summer can't be far behind. And that means swimming pool season. Of course, before you open the pool for the year—whether you're a homeowner or manage an apartment complex—there's a lot of preparing to do. Routine pool maintenance, stocking up on chlorine, even buying new inflatables might all come to mind—but when was the last time you checked the gate of the fence surrounding your pool?

Most gate-closing systems rely on a simple coil-spring mechanism that can easily lose its closing power over time, as the springs get stretched out from constant use. The result, an unlatched gate, could leave you open to significant liability; worse, it could also lead to an easily avoidable tragedy.

The solution: Locksmith David Mowery has developed a unique "positive force gate closing system" (PFGCS) that uses the same principles as the kind of overhead door-closing arms used in numerous applications around the country.

The positive-force system doesn't rely on coil springs to slam the gate door shut—potentially deforming/damaging the springs—but can be adjusted to pull the door shut efficiently, with just the right amount of force to ensure the gate shuts completely.

But Mowery's big breakthrough was to design his system so that overhead attachment points aren't necessary. The PFGCS can be attached to just about any standard gate, making it suitable for just about any pool fence.

At Bill's Mobile Lock, we can use this new technology to provide you with a safe, efficient gate-closing mechanism that you won't wear down as quickly as standard systems, while providing better peace of mind.

Contact us today to find out more by calling 734-421-1230 or visiting:
www.billsmobilelock.net

A Look Back at Locksmithing Through the Ages

Locksmithing may be a big business now, but it's also a surprisingly old one: Most experts believe locks were first introduced thousands of years ago, although no one is quite sure who invented them. Some think it was the ancient Egyptians, others the Greeks or Chinese.

What is certain is that in 2000 B.C., Romans were already using relatively advanced wooden-pin tumbler-type locks that worked on the same principles as today's pin tumbler devices. However, it wasn't until nearly 1,000 years later that keys and locks became readily available to most of the public, and padlocks weren't in regular use in Europe until medieval times.

Again, these ward-type locks relied on mechanisms that are very similar to those found in current padlocks, although with the occasional twist: For example, some English padlocks from the Middles Ages had the keyhole designed into the side, not the front, of the lock.

Eventually, locks also moved from the purely practical to undoubtedly artistic, especially when they were used by royalty. Catherine the Great, who ruled Russia from 1762-1796, was particularly interested in creatively designed security devices, commissioning carefully crafted locks in the shapes of scorpions and horses.

It was around this time that lock design really took off in the U.S., too, with about 3,000 different types patented between America's independence and the year 1920. This included the first locks by pioneers like Linus Yale and Walter Schlage, whose names live on today in two of the country's most well-known lock companies, Yale and Schlage.

Of course, there's more to locksmithing than ancient history, and Bill's Mobile Lock prides itself on offering the latest security technologies for home and business. So if you need to get your current security system out of the Stone Age, give us a call at 734-421-1230 or visit www.billsmobilelock.net.

CCTV: Ready for Prime Time

In baseball terms, I consider Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) the "double play" of security measures.

First, once you let people know a certain area is under CCTV surveillance, that can act as a deterrent to potential crimes, whether it's in retail, industrial, residential or business settings.

Second, if something does occur, you've got a record—and evidence—of what happened.

And remember, CCTV isn't just for big-box retail stores; it can be a valuable part of just about any security system. It just takes a monitor, a recorder, the right number of cameras and a way to connect them.

There's a lot of different CCTV systems out there, though, with a wide range of different capabilities. Both cameras and monitors come in a variety of sizes; systems can record in color or black and white; you can network the system or connect with fiber optics, coaxial cable, telephone lines, microwaves and other options; and there are more choices when it comes to recording media.

But that's where Bill's Mobile Lock can help.

I've got the expertise and experience to help you find the CCTV system that best fits your needs, then I can make sure you get an expert installation, too. For more information, please call us at 734-421-1230 or visit us online at: www.billsmobilelock.net

The Best Policy

Let's change things up a bit today: Instead of providing consumers with information about the latest high-quality locksmithing products and services, I want to put on my hat as the president of the Michigan Master Lock Association (MMLA) for this post and address the industry's many dependable, legitimate locksmiths.

Now, it's no secret that there are plenty of phony companies around, intent on scamming customers and taking away our livelihoods. But there also plenty of things that we, as honest businesspeople, can do to help.

First off, get involved with industry groups like the Associated Locksmiths of America (www.aloa.org) and MMLA (www.mmlalocksmiths.com). These organizations can provide assistance ranging from brochures for your customers to professional advice on protecting your business against the shady practices of others. I can also recommend locksmithwiki.com and legallocksmiths.com as great resources.

Second, pay attention to your "bedside manner." Unfortunately, the bad guys are already making their influence felt, so many potential customers—especially those who call you for emergency lockout service—expect the worst. That means you should always do your best.

Answer their questions honestly and in language they understand, and don't be offended if they ask for ID or question you about how long your company has been in business. Remember, they have the same goal you do: Finding a high-value, high-quality locksmith solution to their current needs.

That's the way we do business at Bill's Mobile Lock, and I urge all other locksmiths to take the same approach. After all, a better locksmith industry is good for everyone—except the scammers.

For more information on Bill's Mobile Lock, call us at 734-421-1230 or visit us at www.billsmobilelock.net.

Bill's Mobile Lock: A Name You Can Trust

One of the main reasons for calling a locksmith is to help protect yourself against theft. A high-quality security solution from a high-quality locksmith can be just the thing to convince criminals to look elsewhere.

Unfortunately, in many cities today, it's the locksmiths themselves who are the problem. More and more, out-of-state con artists and scammers are using misleading ads and Web sites—along with outright lies—to trick people into paying big money for shoddy locksmith services.

One of their most common scams is to claim a customer's broken lock is a "high security" piece of hardware that has to be drilled out and replaced, often for hundreds of dollars, when a less-expensive fix is readily available.

But that's something you don't have to worry about with Bill's Mobile Lock. We're a family-run business that has been serving the Metro Detroit Area for more than 45 years. Mark, who took over Bill's Mobile Lock from his parents and now runs it with his wife, is fully insured and bonded, and he's also been certified as a registered locksmith by the Associated Locksmiths of America.

When you need to feel secure about your security provider, call Bill's Mobile Lock at 734-421-1230 or visit us online at www.billsmobilelock.net.

You won't be disappointed—or ripped off.