You can use a smart lock without having WIFI or internet access. However, without an internet connection , you will need one that has Bluetooth support to set up the lock, change user codes, and monitor access using the smartphone app. However, without WIFI you won’t have remote monitoring support or remote control of the lock.

Does a Smart Lock Work When the Internet Goes Down?

The days of walking into a hardware store and getting duplicate car keys made for pennies are long gone. In fact, many drivers today have never seen the older metal car key that looks like a house key. Today’s cars use everything from the simple black-headed transponder chip key to the much more complex keyless remote proximity fob. Newer keys have electronic components that do everything from operating the door locks to disabling the car’s immobilizer. Of course, all these electronics are prone to wear over time. So, at some point, you may need to repair your key or get replacement car keys made.

What Impacts the Cost of Replacement Car Keys?

There are several factors that impact the cost of replacing a car key. They include the type and complexity of the key, the year, make, and model of the vehicle, and who you choose to make the key for you.

Parts Costs

As we said, the physical car keys and remote fobs are miniature electronic devices. As such, there is circuitry inside the key, as well as a battery to power the key’s functions. Therefore, the actual replacement key can be quite expensive on its own. And, that is before any work is done to cut or program it to work with your particular vehicle.

For example, a genuine BMW car locksmith can key fob can cost anywhere from $170 for a regular ignition key to $1,000 for a radio remote control display key. These keys are coded to your vehicle’s VIN, but the chip inside still requires programming. So, before you even start, the part is quite expensive. Similarly, a replacement key fob for a 2015 Lexus ES350 can run about $160.00. You can get cheaper versions of these keys that are not made by BMW or Lexus. However, the quality varies widely and many are very cheap imitations of the original. In fact, many other locksmiths even cut or program these keys as the failure rate is so high.

Sometimes, in addition to the cost of the physical key, a special key code must be purchased in order to program the key. The cost of this code can be anywhere from $10 to $60.

Equipment Costs

Cutting the blades of your replacement car keys requires sophisticated and expensive machinery. Remember, to remain profitable, all businesses build their overhead into their prices. Therefore, that machinery’s cost is going to be factored into the cost of replacing your key. And, in cases of vehicles like Mercedes and BMW, special machinery is required that is exclusive to these brands. So, the cost to cut those keys will be even higher, as only owners of these cars will be charged for the special equipment required to cut those keys.

Labor Costs

With most car keys (even proximity key fobs where a key blade is not visible), there are two components to the labor process. Physically cutting the key to operate the locks and ignition (where necessary) and programming the electronics so that the key communicates with the computer in your car.

In a normal situation, it takes approximately one hour to cut a key to your vehicle and program and test the key, so you will pay for one hour of labor, assuming no problems occur along the way. Depending on where you go to get this work done, the amount you pay for that labor will vary. Generally speaking, a car locksmith near you will charge less for the labor than a dealership.

Thank You

Todd Theroux

Choosing the right deadbolt for your door is a critical decision that enhances your home security. With numerous options on the market, the process can be overwhelming, but understanding the different types of deadbolts and their features can simplify your choice. The most common variety, the single-cylinder deadbolt, provides a balance of convenience and security, operating with a key on the exterior and a thumb turn on the interior.

When it comes to door security, it’s essential to select a deadbolt that meets your specific needs. Whether you prioritize ease of access or high-level security, there’s a deadbolt that complements your lifestyle. For example, single-cylinder deadbolts are user-friendly, while mortise locks offer enhanced security features. Understanding the different levels of security, which can be defined by ANSI grades, is also crucial in making an informed decision.

Remember, the best deadbolt for you is one that aligns with your home security goals and daily routines. Evaluate the potential risks and your personal preferences to determine whether a deadbolt with advanced security features, like those found in certain smart lock models, is necessary, or if a traditional mechanical deadbolt would suffice. Taking the time to research and assess your options will ensure that your home is both safe and accessible.

Understanding Deadbolt Lock Types

Choosing the right dead bolt for your door means balancing security with convenience and matching your lock to your lifestyle and household needs. Delve into the specifics of each type to make an informed decision.

Single vs Double Cylinder Deadbolt

Single-cylinder deadbolts are operated with a key from the outside and a thumb turn from inside. They provide a blend of security and convenience, being especially useful if quick exits are ever necessary. On the other hand, double-cylinder deadbolts require a key to lock or unlock from both sides, thereby offering heightened security, particularly if there is glass near the door that could be broken to reach a thumb turn. However, this could potentially delay egress during an emergency.

Rim Deadbolt vs Mortise Deadbolt

Rim deadbolts are mounted on the inside surface of the door, often featuring a long metal piece that extends to the door frame. They are relatively easy to install and provide a decent level of security. Mortise deadbolts, conversely, are seated in a pocket within the door, leading to a cleaner aesthetic and a typically stronger structure, due to the integrated design distributing force more evenly during an attempted breach.

Traditional vs Smart Deadbolt Locks

The classic traditional deadbolt offers proven security and is operated by keys or thumb turns without the need for electrical power. Smart deadbolt locks, embracing smart home technology, offer features like remote access, usage logs, and integration with home automation systems, which allows for functionality such as locking your door from your smartphone. While offering convenience and additional features, they require power to operate and may be subject to cybersecurity risks.

Remember, the best deadbolt for you will factor in the level of security you require, the importance of convenience, and your interest in integrating your lock with other smart home devices.

Selecting the Right Deadbolt for Your Needs

Choosing the right deadbolt is crucial for enhancing your home’s security while keeping in mind convenience and cost-effectiveness. Let’s explore the factors that will guide you in finding the deadbolt that fits your personal requirements.

Assessing Your Security Requirements

When considering your home’s security measures, evaluate the level of risk and the assets you need to protect. A higher level of security often demands locks with advanced features that resist tampering and forced entry. For exterior doors, a deadbolt that meets or exceeds ANSI Grade 1 specifications is recommended as it signifies a stronger, more durable lock.

Balancing Security with Convenience

A lock should not only be secure but also convenient for daily use. Smart deadbolts offer a high level of security with the added convenience of keyless entry, allowing you to unlock your door with a code, a fob, or your smartphone. For a balance of convenience and security, consider locks that offer both electronic and keyed entry.

Considering Installation and Budget

When selecting a deadbolt, take into account the ease of installation. Some locks are designed for DIY installation, while others might require a professional locksmith for installation. Align your choice with your budget; remember, the most expensive option is not always the most secure or necessary. Look for a lock that offers good security within your price range.

Evaluating Standards and Durability

Check the lock’s resilience against drilling, picking, and wear over time. The Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) sets standards for the longevity of deadbolts. An ANSI/BHMA certification is an indicator of quality and durability. Also, consider the compatibility of the lock with your doorframe to ensure the deadbolt secures the door firmly.

By carefully considering these factors, you can select a deadbolt that provides the desired security, convenience, and value.

Thanks

Todd Theroux

Our team at BAYSIDE LOCKSMITH & SECURITY. wants to help you keep your home or business secure. To do that, we offer a range of locksmithing and security installation services. We can rekey your locks, provide safes for your valuables, install video cameras around your property, and so much more.

If you are looking for a way to keep your building secure without having to deal with physical keys, then we encourage you to consider switching to a keypad lock. In this article, we’ll go over a few reasons why you might want to install a key pad on your home or business.

• Increased Security – You may want to install a keypad lock instead of a traditional lock to further secure your property. Keypad locks don’t have keyholes, so they can’t be picked like a standard lock. Plus, since they don’t require physical keys, you won’t have to worry about someone gaining access to your building with a lost key or an unauthorized copy.
• Peace of Mind – In addition to offering better security, a keypad lock can also provide you with increased peace of mind. Many keypad locks offer remote access options, which can allow you to lock the doors from wherever you are via your phone. That way, if you ever worry you may have forgotten to lock the doors behind you, you can simply lock them remotely.
• Convenience – A third reason to switch to a keypad is for the increased convenience. Instead of having to make copies of the keys for every member of your household or staff, you can simply have everyone memorize a numeric code. No one will have to worry about being locked out or about keeping track of their keys

Thanks for your support,

Todd Theroux

Owner

Transponder keys were designed as a security device to protect your vehicle from theft. Though, as beneficial as this technology has been for us, it can sometimes be a major cause of headaches.

If you find yourself with an unresponsive transponder, you have a couple of choices. You could contact a locksmith and have a professional handle everything for you – getting you back on the road in no time. Or, you could try to program the transponder key yourself. 

How a Transponder Key Works

Transponder keys contain a microchip inside of them that transmits an alphanumeric code to the ignition so that the car will start. If you try to start your car using a basic key, for example, or without any key at all (in the case of theft), then the ignition won’t start. It has to have the transmitted code to go anywhere. 

Vehicles manufactured with a transponder key won’t start without the original transponder. This is why losing your transponder key can be troublesome. Thankfully, though, by following a few steps, you can program a transponder key without the original and hopefully start your engine successfully. 

Let’s take a look at the necessary steps. 

Step 1: Sitting in your car with the doors closed, place the transponder key in the ignition of your car and turn it into the ON position. Do not turn the engine on. You will want to keep this on for a precise 10 minutes and 25 seconds – so use the timer on your phone to ensure you get the timing right. At this time, the security light on your dashboard will light up. If it doesn’t, you may need to check your battery. 

Step 2: Once the security light illuminates, set the timer again – this time for 15 minutes. Remember, you must be meticulous with the time. After it elapses, the security light on your dashboard should go off. 

Step 3: Three minutes after the security light turns off, turn your ignition OFF – and then turn it right back ON again. When you do, the security light should reappear and stay on for another 15 minutes before it shuts off again. 

Step 4: As the security light on the dashboard disappears, wait 3 minutes and then turn the ignition OFF – and then turn it right back ON again. And, as predicted the security light will illuminate on the dashboard for another 15 minutes before the light turns off. 

The transponder key should now be programmed to your automobile. Try turning on your engine with the key as it should start now – and allow you to drive without any issues. 

An important note: Once you program a new transponder key for your car, your original transponder key will no longer work. 

Help From a Professional Locksmith

Programming a transponder key can be a time-consuming task. You may run into errors, you may not want to deal with it yourself, or, depending on the make and model of the car, this simple process may not work. At BAYSIDE LOCKSMITH & SECURITY we don’t want you to feel stranded without a transponder key. Let us help you get back in your car and on your way quickly. 

With locations and a mobile crew of professionals throughout many areas of Texas, we are just a phone call away. Contact us anytime of the day.

Thanks

Todd Theroux

Need help moving a heavy Safe?

Need a NEW SAFE?

Residential and\or Commercial.

BAYSIDE LOCKSMITH & SECURITY

Professionals Have the Experience Needed!

A safe is not a purchase you make very often, so you probably haven’t moved one before. An experienced safe moving team does it all the time. They know how to get a safe into your home undamaged. But that’s just a small part of the services professional movers provide. They know how to:

• Get your safe into your home without injuring themselves, you, or your family members.
• Take precautions to prevent damaging your home.
• Read the entire layout of your home and identify issues that could be a problem, like wooden stairs that cannot support the safe’s weight or tight turns in hallways.

Professionals Have Specialized Moving Equipment

Moving a heavy and bulky item like a gun safe requires specialized moving equipment. A professional will have a heavy-duty truck that is equipped with everything needed to get the job done, including an Ultralift motorized hand truck, padded blankets and felt pads to protect your home’s flooring.

Professionals Carry Insurance

If you choose to take the risk of doing this job on your own, any damage that may occur is your responsibility. However, a professional mover has insurance. So, if for some unlikely reason your safe becomes damaged, whether in transit to your home or while it is being brought inside, the mover’s insurance will cover it.

Moving a safe on your own is dangerous and can be costly if you become injured. Between medical bills, time lost from work, and possible damage to your vehicle or home, it just doesn’t make financial sense. But don’t let the worry of how to move a safe discourage you from making this important purchase.

Thank You

Todd Theroux

Bayside Locksmith & Security

Nobody plans on or wants to be locked out of their home. But unfortunately, it does happen. It can be because you left the key inside the door or because you think your partner has the key and vice versa. The question is, once you’re locked out, what do you do? Stay calm and read on.

Check for an open entry.

As you know, we would never recommend you leave any windows or doors unlocked or open. That means locking the door, even when you’re outside mowing the lawn. If you can get inside this way, then great! But we’re all human, so sometimes we forget to close windows and doors properly.

Call a household member.

If your partner, kids or housemate are not locked out of the house along with you, give them a call. They will most likely have the key on them. Depending on where they are, it can take some time for them to help you get back in. But at least, it’s the cheapest (free) option, and it should be the first step you take.

Who has a spare key?

Failing that, if you have managed to give a spare key to your family or friends, then you should be in luck. Don’t forget to ask nicely. If they accepted your spare key, then they knew this day would happen.

Call your landlord

This step is for those who rent a house or an apartment. Contact your landlord or property manager. They will have a key. I had to do this once, but unfortunately, I had to go to the property manager’s office to collect the key. So it was time-consuming (especially without a car) to get there. Also, don’t forget to return the key once you’re inside.

Use a Master Locksmith

For most of the time, getting a locksmith is the quickest way to get into your property. However, we recommend caution choosing a locksmith. There are plenty of handymen who pass themselves off as locksmiths. But once they complete their work, you will quickly notice they are not. When searching for a locksmith near you, there are a few simple checks you can make.

• Are they a member of a recognised locksmith association?
• Can they provide you with a business invoice?
• Can you find reviews online?

How to avoid getting locked out of the home

• Install a key safe somewhere on your property that isn’t seen from the main road and put a spare set in here.
• Change your door lock to a smart or digital lock, so you don’t have to carry a key around at all! Gain access by a PIN, Bluetooth, fob card or biometrics (depending on your chosen keyless door lock).
• Put your keys on top of your wallet, in your handbag or on top of your lunch. Whatever way it will take to ensure you don’t forget your keys again.

What not to do if you’re locked out

• Don’t break any windows; it may end up costing more than if you were to call a locksmith.
• Don’t try to manipulate the door open. This will damage your door, leading you to spend more money to replace the damaged lock.
• Only call emergency services 000 if there’s an emergency in the house, such as a fire.

At Bayside Locksmith & Security we are available when you need us!

Thank you

Todd Theroux

Safes have a variety of functions, and all of them include protection of any important documents or any other type of valuable item. Such things require protection from theft and floods, fires, or any other natural disaster. There are different types of safes, but the two main types of safes are those which are designed for business use, and those which are designed for use in the home. Within each of these categories, there are many more differences between safes and the type of protection they provide.

There are a few different types of business safes to choose from. A major category consists of those which provide protection against theft. The locks on these safes are designed to be especially secure, even from professional burglars who are able to break more simple locks. Any documents or papers which require special security due to high confidentiality can be kept in these safes, freeing business owners from unnecessary worry.

Another type of business safes protect from fire. Almost always, these have the added protection of also having very secure locks. There are different stages of protection provided by fire resistant safes, just as there are different stages of protection with locks. An ordinary document becomes ruined at around 451°F, and most fires burn at around 1300°F. Therefore, it is obvious that papers need extra protection in case there is a fire in the office. The safes are able to keep the temperature inside around 350°F for different amounts of time. They do this by releasing moisture into the safe. The safes provide the fire protection for either 30 minutes, 60 minutes,120 minutes or longer.

Many businesses do not handle large amounts of cash on a regular basis. However, some companies, such as restaurants, do have a lot of money in their possession each day. For these businesses, deposit safes are a necessary security measure. Usually, these safes are fixed securely to the floor, as opposed to the more mobile home safes. The protection and security provided by depository safes is reliable and convenient during the business day, but it is not recommended to keep money in them overnight. Instead the money should be brought somewhere with added security, such as a bank.  Deposit safes generally do not offer fire protection.

The other main category of safes consists of home safes. There are only three main types of home safes; those designed for fire protection and those designed for theft protection, similar to the ones mentioned in the business safe section above and those designed for both theft and fire protection. The protection provided by fire resistant safes can be invaluable to families. They are able to save family heirlooms, valuable jewelry, or items which cannot be replaced like more material possessions can. Fire resistant safes are able to protect valuables by keeping the inside of the safe at a low enough temperature to resist damage for different amounts of time, as mentioned above with business safes.  Burglar/Fire safes are designed to provide the best of both worlds with a much heavier metal door and body than a fire resistant safe. They usually have a Group II combination lock which is designed to stop a knowledgeable thief. Check for both burglar and fire ratings when purchasing one of these hybrid-safes.

Although fire resistant safes have secure locks on them, home safes designed for theft protection provide even greater security. There are different grades of locks. Some of the more basic lock designs found on fire resistant safes are easy for advanced burglars to pick. However, the more complicated locks provided on most theft resistant or Burglar/Fire safes are a challenge for even professional burglars. It is hoped that the thieves will be deterred by the security provided by these locks, and decide to leave the premise without taking anything valuable.

Thank You

Todd Theroux

If you manage a commercial space, you know that there are some things you need to keep safe and secure. However, how to keep these items safe comes with many different options.  Here are some of the most important things to consider when it comes to picking out a commercial safe.

• Size. Depending on your business, you may have several larger items to keep safe or just a few important documents. Your commercial safe should fit what you need it to fit, so make sure to purchase a safe that will keep safe what you need it to keep safe.
• Location. Where will you keep your safe? Some commercial safes are easier to conceal than others. Commercial safes are all designed differently and are meant to be put in different places, so the kind of commercial safe you buy should depend on whether you intend to keep it under a desk, in a closet, or anywhere else you need it to go.
• Contents. You should factor in what you plan on keeping in your safe when considering different commercial safes. For example, if you plan on putting documents in your safe, you should consider a fireproof safe.

If you’re having a hard time finding the right commercial safe for your space, don’t hesitate to reach out to us here at BAYSIDE LOCKSMITH AND SECURITY­. We can help you pick out the right safe for what you need based on your specific requirements and situation, so call us today for your commercial safe needs.

Thanks

Todd Theroux