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The Purpose of Bump Resistant Locks

Lock bumping is a technique used to gain access to locks without a key. The technique includes the word “bumping” because a specially cut key is inserted into a keyhole and then tapped or “bumped” by a screwdriver, a hammer, or some other object. This process forces the pins in the lock to jump to their shear line, and with a little torque applied to the key, the lock opens. Sometimes referred to as an “attack” technique, the “bump keys” are used because they can penetrate conventional pin and tumbler door locks. In other words, a bump key can open any lock that it fits into.

Unfortunately, with bump keys, criminals can spend a few dollars and use those keys to compromise almost any kind of traditional lock in a home or office in seconds. The good news is that you can stop the violators from entering your premises with a bump-resistant lock.

Take note of the type of lock you have on the doors to your home or business. The kind of lock you have determines the new lock model that is compatible with your existing lock. For example, homeowners can choose a mechanical bump-proof lock, while businesses might be best selecting either a mechanical or electronic bump-proof and bump-resistant lock.

To ensure the locks in your home or business are resistant to lock bumping, turn to the pros at Arrow Locksmith Co. We can provide a bump-resistant lock solution when you want to add extra safety and security. Rely on us for a lock replacement in Orlando. If you need emergency services, call us at (407) 855-2080.

Features of a Transponder Key

Most cars built after 1995 come with transponder keys—a key that’s used as an anti-theft device. A transponder key works through radio-frequency signals that are meant to deter car thefts. Transponders get their name from two words: transmitters and responders. They are not to be confused with automotive remotes, which are used to lock and unlock vehicles. A transponder is a device with the main purpose of eliminating car theft. There are a number of benefits and features of a transponder key.

Anti-Theft Protection

A transponder key makes it difficult for your car to be stolen because most of them are programmed with an identification number that is uniquely programmed to the car which it recognizes. The transponder’s microchip works in tandem with the engine of the car. If this specific key is not used, the car will not start. The microchip embedded in the head of the vehicle key receives a signal from an antenna which is around the ignition cylinder. Consequently, if the car or motorcycle doesn’t receive the right response from the transponder key, the vehicle doesn’t work.

You always want to make sure your transponder key has working batteries. Also, be sure to check and confirm that your system is working just fine, and you can’t find anything physically wrong with the key. If you have questions either check your car manual or contact Arrow Locksmith Co. for a 24-hour locksmith in Orlando.

Should You Rekey or Replace Locks in a New Home?

When there’s a change in ownership of a property, the new owners usually plan to rekey or replace the locks. If the home has been previously owned, the new owners will not know who has access to the keys, unlike in new homes where contractors are the ones with access to the keys. If rekeying the locks is chosen, the locksmith removes the pins and springs in the lock cylinder and replaces them with new pins and springs that work with a new key. Many locks can be rekeyed and kept in service unless they are not working properly or a different style is required. However, in most new communities, locks are mastered with extra pins left in the lock, which means that numerous different keys could operate a single home’s locks. When these master pins are rekeyed, the possibility of another key operating the locks is eliminated.

Replacing Locks

There are circumstances in which locks must be replaced. Over time, locks wear out and rekeying may no longer be an option to improve their function. Upgrading the locks you have is always a good idea because your home’s locks are what protect you and your property. You may also want to replace your locks for aesthetic reasons or to accommodate disabilities. For example, lever handle locks are attractive and easy to operate, and deadbolts are available with an interior thumb turn that is operated without grasping.

Contact the pros at Arrow Locksmith Co. to consult with us about a lock replacement in Orlando. Call us at (407) 855-2080 if you need emergency services

Getting a Broken Key Out of the Door

You may think you’re having a very bad day when your key breaks off in a lock. However, there are ways to try and get the broken key out of the lock. First and foremost, do not use your key again. The lock won’t open, and when you reinsert your key, you will push the broken part of the blade further into the lock. You do want to keep the broken halves of the key so you can give both parts to a locksmith who can cut a new key by using both pieces of your key.

You can make the process of removing your broken key from the lock by applying a lubricant to the keyway. It’s best to line up the nozzle of the lubricant so that it is inside the keyway before you spray. Keep a pair of needle-nose pliers handy because once enough of the key is accessible, it should be easy to pull free with pliers.

When you call on the professionals at Arrow Locksmith Co., a leading residential locksmith in Orlando, they will no doubt use a broken key extractor tool. They place this tool inside the keyway along the bitting of the key. The goal is to hook the teeth on the key with the hooks on the extractor. After the key is hooked, it is turned, pulled, and grabbed, and eventually removed from the lock.

Kubota Keys in stock

Since selling their first tractor in the US 1969 Japanese tractor manufacturer Kubota now offers lawn mowers, utility vehicles, construction equipment, agriculture tractors and utility vehicles.

Arrow Locksmith has always tried to keep up with the growing number of specialty key blanks for manufacturers such as Kubota, John Deere, JCB, Caterpillar, Doosan, Komatsu, Skytrack, Yanmar and most other construction equipment.

Pictured are some of the Kubota keys we stock. If we don’t have the key blank available we will do our best to order it in and keep it in stock.

Ilco 1540 Kubota Ignition key for G & L Series

PL501-68920 Ignition Key for Kubota RTV UTV Utility Vehicles B BX F GR ZD RTV500 RTV900

Kubota 459A

Ilco 1539 Ignition Key for Kubota B & GL Series Diesel Garden Tractors

The Many Different Kinds of Locks, Part 2

To continue our blog about the many different kinds of lock options, below we listed some of the less common locks, so you have an idea about what’s on the market as you consider the kind of locks you need.

Electronic Locks: Electronic locks don’t require keys to lock and unlock them. They function with a keypad or card system in which a special code or key is used to unlock the door. These locks typically lock the door automatically and are most commonly found in hotel rooms, schools, and offices. Some electronic locks also have a combination key system that can be used with a regular key if the code or key cards are not available. Most often these combination systems operate on batteries.
Cam Locks: Cam locks are typically found in filing cabinets, mailboxes, lockers, and low-security bank deposit boxes. This lock is a simplified version of other locks and requires a key to turn the cam, which locks and unlocks it. A cam lock may be flat or tubular, with keys of the same shape necessary to open them.
Chain Locks: Chain locks are usually seen on the inside of hotel doors. They have a catch on the door frame and a main locking assembly on the door, much like a barrel bolt, but use a chain to lock the door instead of the cylinder piece. A chain lock enables you to open the door slightly to greet someone while still keeping the door closed.

Reach out to Arrow Locksmith when you need services for a residential locksmith in Orlando.

Most Common Reasons for Broken Locks

The locks on doors tend to take a great deal of use, so they may unexpectedly break. You don’t want to find yourself locked out of your own home or office, which means your property won’t be secure nor will the inhabitants of the building. That’s why it pays to know how to tell when something is wrong with a lock on your door. Some of the most common indications that there is a problem with a lock on your door include the following:

A Lock Has Seized Up. You can tell that a lock has seized up if it does not turn at all when you put your key into it. Try putting a damp cotton swab into it to wipe out the dirt or grime that may be clogging the mechanism. Use a silicone spray and then work the key around to spread the lubricant around.

Misaligned Weather Stripping. If the weather stripping on the door is not properly aligned, it may prevent the door lock from functioning properly. Try removing the weather stripping and realigning it properly before you try to move the lock.

Lock Bolt Not Operating. The mechanism in your lock may be broken if the lock doesn’t work when you turn the key. If you can, remove the lock to check for missing or worn parts. You can also call a professional at Arrow Locksmith for lock repairs or a lock replacement in Orlando.

The Many Different Kinds of Locks, Part 1

You have lots of options when you are putting in a new door lock at your home or business. The kind of lock you install depends on the level of security you need and the type of doors you are installing.

As an essential part of any building, door locks keep the inhabitants and their belongings safe inside of a home or business. Some of the most common types of locks that come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs include all of the following:

Padlocks: Padlocks are most commonly used on doors that don’t need high-level security, like shed and storage unit doors. Padlocks are not attached to anything else but instead lock into themselves. They are available in large and small sizes and are usually square or rectangular with a U-shaped bar. One side of the bar locks and releases while the other end of the bar stays in the lock but moves up and down.
Deadbolts: A separate mechanism from the doorknob, a deadbolt lock adds an additional layer of security to your front door. Using both a doorknob lock and a deadbolt on home or business entry doors helps to prevent the risk of intruders.
Door Knob Locks: One of the most common kinds of lock, the doorknob lock is found on many inner bathroom and bedroom doors in homes. These locks have the locking mechanism inside the doorknob, and they have knobs on either side of the door that can have a single or double cylinder, depending on whether the door locks from the inside or not.

Contact ArrowLocksmith.net when you need a new lock or any kind of lock repair in Orlando or anywhere in Central Florida.

The Benefits of a Panic Bar

Installing a panic bar in Orlando at your retail store, school, or large office building is extremely helpful in an emergency situation. A panic bar from Arrow Locksmith is a spring-loaded metal bar that is attached horizontally across the interior of the door. When the bar is pushed, the door immediately is unlatched, which enables people to exit quickly and easily out of a building. The door with the panic bar opens outwardly rather than inwardly.

In a large building where there may be hundreds or even thousands of people, it makes sense to help those who may be panicking in an emergency get out quickly. When the wrong kinds of doors are installed, a group of people may be stuck together with no one able to get out safely. If exits are safe for quick access, the chances of injuries are greatly increased. Additional reasons to install a panic bar on doors in a commercial space include all of the following:

Panic Bar Is Safe
Affordable Option for Safety
Reduction in Insurance Costs
Variety of Options in Size, Shape, Color
Reduced Risk in Case of Fire

If your commercial facility does not currently have a panic bar installed at exits, it is a good idea to look into the benefits they offer now. This will make a building safer and easier to exit in an emergency situation.

The New Arrow Locksmith shop

Hurricane Charley barreled through Central Florida on August 14th 2004 and Arrow Locksmith in Orlando took a direct hit along with many of our neighbors in the Central Florida community. Hurricane Charley took our roof; we needed a new shop and fast! Wanting to to stay local to the Pinecastle area we began searching for a new shop. Fortunately one of the property managers that we did work for mentioned a place they had available less than a mile away on South Orange Avenue near Oak Ridge Road. We took one look and quickly made the move to our new and much improved shop.

Arrow Locksmith new location at 6004 S. Orange Avenue in Orlando.

We have now been at this location for 14 years and the added space has allowed us to expand our inventory as well as our showroom greatly. The old shop allowed room to display a couple of small safes and very little else. Our new shop has about 20 safes at any one time on display as well as commercial and residential locking hardware and a huge range of custom keys and accessories.

We have much more room to stock just about any lock or door hardware for our commercial and residential customers. We stock door closers, panic bars, commercial lever sets in all functions in both grade 1 and grade 2, residential locks, padlocks for just about any application, file cabinet and desk locks, glass storefront locks, cylinders, pivots, push paddles, mailbox locks …

Inside Arrow Locksmith shop showing a few of the safes and door hardware we offer for sale.

Inside Arrow Locksmith shop showing counter area with key accessories and custom keys.

Work area showing some of our key machines.

View from behind the counter.

Stop by our shop at 6004 South Orange Avenue in Orlando for all your lock and safe needs. We are open Monday thru Friday from 8:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the afternoon.