We Speciahze in Transponder Keys , Auto Lockouts , House Lockouts , Master Key Systems , Keyless Entry , Electric Strike Door Openers , Access Control Systems , Kaba E-plex , Exit Devices , Fire Doors , Fire Door Inspections , Fire Door Certification , Fire Door Sales & Installations , Deadbolt Installations , Mailbox Locks .

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Consumer Tips to Rekey locks in Honolulu Hawaii
Most consumers are not aware of the term "RE-KEY" ?
Well if your existing lock hardware is still in good working condition,
It would be far less expensive then out right changing all the locks to new hardware.
If you are just trying to prevent entry access to some one that has an existing key?
Then Re-Key is a less inexpensive secure way to achieve your goal!
Just call 808-943-1425
www.24hourlocksmithsinhonolulu.com

Monday, July 15, 2013

Key Tips for Key owners!

It is a common tale among the automotive locksmith world – car owners almost always have some trouble with opening their car doors at one point in their lives. It may be because of the car doors being jammed; other times it’s because of some unforeseen circumstances. Among these circumstances is the unfortunate event of losing one’s car keys.It is rather an inconvenience to lose your car keys. Sometimes we just forget where we put stuff and never remember where we lost them. In times like these, here are a few things you can do to avoid car key troubles (not all the time, an automotive locksmith is around to sort out this problem for you!)
1. Always put your car keys in one place. Sometimes when we get home all tired and hungry from work or school, we tend to not care about anything but getting to the kitchen or the bedroom. Most people tend to toss anything out of their hands to grab hold of that chicken sandwich or crash on the bed. If you’re one of these people, you should do well to have a designated place to put your car keys.
A good place to put them would be on a hook beside the door (so you’ll immediately see it on the way out). Another is on a shelf or coffee table where the center of “traffic” in your house takes place. You can also put them in a small decorative box. Always put the keys in the same place every day. In a few weeks time, this will naturally become your habit.
2. Every time you’re about to step out of the car, always remind yourself to take the car keys with you. You can also ask your family members to help you remember this every time you’re in the car. Most of the people who contact their local automotive locksmith are those that forgot to take their car keys with them when they stepped out of their cars.
3. Have a spare key made. Most www.transponderkeyshawaii.com  can replace and re-copy car keys. However, if your car has an electronic lock system, you might need to purchase a new one from your car dealer. But in some cases, automotive locksmiths can crack these electronic car lock systems open, depending on the car model.
4. If you’re more prone to having your car keys stolen instead of just being lost, it might do you well to have a key chain or ring with an elastic band that can be attached to the waistband of your jeans. There are lots of really creative anti-theft key chains available in stores everywhere – just take your pick!
Precautionary measures are the key to avoid having car key troubles. Try to come up with more ideas to secure your car keys, it’s rather fun to do!

A locksmith company that dispatches from out of state has a lot of unhappy customers all over the United States.
Local Locksmith-
They are licensed in California and we got a complaint from a customer in Southern California about exactly the tactics that are seen in the following videos from news reports all over the country.
http://www.ksdk.com/news/article/316610/3/5-on-Your-Side-Run-Local-Locksmith-accused-of-scamming-customers
http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/story/21018042/customers-keyed-up-over-run-local-locksmith

http://kdvr.com/2013/02/14/denver-locksmith-accused-caught-running-bait-and-switch-scam/

In  Hawaii & Colorado, that state has made the company change its advertising: http://www.coloradoattorneygeneral.gov/departments/consumer_protection/consumer_protection_cases/run_local_locksmith_inc but apparently they are still using the same business model as seen in the Denver video.

Honest locksmiths don’t overcharge.

They don’t intimidate customers.

They don’t give unrealistically low prices over the phone.

They are professionally trained certified and in most states licensed and will show you their license when they arrive to assist you.

Sunday, July 14, 2013

A locksmith was to blame for getting shot along with a deputy sheriff in a deadly Modesto ambush, attorneys for Stanislaus County contend in a court document.

My Locksmith friend "freely and voluntarily assumed the risk of injury and damage" as he disabled a lock during an April 2012 eviction with deputies, attorneys wrote in a response to a wrongful-death lawsuit brought by Engert's survivors.

This brave locksmith "acted in concert with (deputies) and knowingly and willingly consented to the conduct of (deputies) in total and utter disregard for the likelihood or probability that he might be injured," the document says. It additionally blames the locksmith "careless(ness), negligence and willful conduct."

The lawsuit claims the Sheriff's Department owed the locksmith better protection, especially because deputies received detailed warnings of the homeowner's mental instability and military grade weapons.

The occupant, 45, did not answer knocks at the door and fired an assault rifle from within as the locksmith, 35, drilled a lock, killing him and the deputy , 53. The shootings sparked a lengthy standoff with SWAT squads, ending in an inferno and the occupant's suicide.


Two investigations found fault with the and deputies who was not shot, for failing to take proper precautions given a wealth of specific warning signs, and Sheriff's Department officials for failing to correct Paris' cavalier attitude. The investigations were cited in the civil rights lawsuit, which was filed in federal court in Fresno.

Do you think the locksmith was responsible or not responsible for the risk taken?
The life of a Locksmith
www.transponderkeyshawaii.com
www.24hourlocksmithsinhonolulu.com
Alarmed Exit Devices Needed for Retail Stores

Delayed egress systems are door locking systems which prevent a door from opening immediately when egress is attempted in a non-emergency situation.

One of the golden rules is that a lock is never supposed to impede egress. However, there are specific situations where it is allowed with special approval from the Local Authority Having Jurisdiction (LAHJ), as long as the application is in accordance with the relevant building codes which consider both core requirements and building occupancy.

Delayed Egress locking arrangements fall under the category of NFPA 101 Special Locking Arrangements, but specification may also be subject to other codes such as:

NFPA 80 Standard For Fire Doors And Other Opening Protectives

NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm And Signaling Code

NEC National Electric Code.

Delayed egress has many important uses.

For healthcare facilities, it can alert staff to a patient attempting to leave the premises.
In commercial applications, doors may be equipped with delayed egress to discourage shoplifting.
At airports, doors leading to hazardous and flight line areas will be equipped with delayed egress to further secure these areas against unauthorized movements.
In schools and childcare, delayed egress systems will deter abductions, delinquency, etc.
In security environments where it is desired that a credential be used for passage in both directions, a delayed egress lock will allow locking of the door, encouraging the use of a credential, without potentially trapping individuals if there is a legitimate reason for them to exit.
It is imperative that the installer confirm the acceptability of a delayed egress system with the LAHJ prior to installation. In some geographical locations, and in some types of occupancies, more than one authority may have jurisdiction, such as both Fire Marshal and Building Inspector. It is the responsibility of the installer to determine the hierarchy of LAHJs for a particular situation, and to take the necessary steps to assure compliance.

Delayed Egress systems are typically configured in several ways:

An integrated Delayed Egress electromagnetic lock in which all logic and locking components are built into a single device
A Component System with separate locking, logic, annunciation and control components
A Positive Latching Exit Device with integral delayed egress circuitry
Depending on the design, the delayed egress may be triggered by door movement pressure on the door or pressure on a separate triggering device. In some cases, the triggering device is a switch built into a mechanical exit device or a pushbar designed for use with electromagnetic locks.

Building Code Requirements

Building Codes vary with respect to requirements for Delayed Egress locking arrangements. However they all have a similar set core of rules:

The delayed egress lock must be approved or listed and shall be permitted for installation on doors serving occupancy levels as specified per prevailing code (refer to your prevailing code and consult your LAHJ for complete details).
The doors must unlock upon activation of an automatic sprinkler system or automatic fire detection system.
The door(s) must unlock (allow immediate egress) upon loss of power controlling the delayed egress locking device.
The delayed egress locks shall be unlocked by a signal from the fire command center.
Important Note: Some localities may also require a remotely located manual reset station attended at all times by trained personnel.
Applying not more than 15 lbs of pressure for a maximum of 1 second (1 second nuisance delay) will start an irreversible process to unlock the door in 15 seconds. *The LAHJ may permit up to a 30 second delay and up to a 3 second nuisance delay, while in some cases no nuisance delay is permitted
A local (at the door) alarm must sound at the opening upon initiation of the release process. *A remote signal may also be required
A sign must be applied to the door stating, “PUSH UNTIL ALARM SOUNDS. DOOR CAN BE OPENED IN 15 SECONDS.” Letters must be 1 inch high by 1/8” stroke. The sign shall indicate 30 seconds where applicable.
Emergency lighting is required as prescribed per code.
The lock must be manually reset at the door. *not a universal requirement
A building occupant shall not be required to pass through more than one delayed egress equipped door in order to escape the building.
To be continued
www.24hourlocksmithsinhonolulu.com
History of Locksmithing from
1939-1950
Bet you didn't know......
Locksmithing during this era was considered more of a craft than a profession. It was often somewhat of a sideline as there were few locksmith-only shops. More often than not, locksmithing was offered in addition to bicycle or gun repair, or saw sharpening.

During this period, individual locksmiths usually developed their own tools and servicing methods. The craft was often handed down from father to son, keeping secret techniques in the family and away from the general public.

Locksmith distributors were few and far between. Most locksmiths had to purchase their locks and supplies from hardware stores, contract hardware and occasionally from the lock or key blank manufacturer.

Skeleton (bit) keys and flat steel mailbox keys were duplicated by hand with a file, a hack saw, Keil Turret key machine or Ilco Simplex key machine. The key machines would duplicate cylindrical keys and bit/skeleton keys. The Keil Turret machine could be used to mill the gates in the blade of a skeleton key.

During this time, there was little difference between commercial and residential locks. Rim knob sets were mounted onto the inside surface of the door. These locks required long, long keys. Some lock manufacturers made folding keys to get through the front of the door and into the lock. This made carrying the key in a pant pocket possible.

As doors became thicker, mortised locks took over. Mortise locks were available in bit, skeleton, and pin tumbler configurations. Pin tumbler (cylinder) mortise locks which had been available since the late 1800s, were used on front doors. Other bit key locks ranged from three to seven levers used on the back and interior doors. For privacy, skeleton key locks were also used on bathrooms, etc.

During the late 1930s, McKinney (today owned by SARGENT Lock Company) introduced a tubular lock with an adjustable backset. Also in the 1930s, Corbin introduced the first field-reversible without disassembly mortise lock.

From 1941-1945, lock manufacturers concentrated on the war effort with little time for new inventions. Locksmith techniques that worked in the 1930s did not have to be changed much for the 1940s. This is because car manufacturers stopped making new cars during the war years.

However, Curtis introduced their Post Type code cutter for originating automotive keys. It utilized a 'Post' for controlling depth of cut and special carriages which controlled the spacing Several posts and carriages were available, covering many of the automobile manufacturers.

In 1946, George Houlsey, Jr., received patents for a floor closer.

In 1948, Harry C. Miller invented a combination padlock to be used on locking bar cabinets. The following year, he invented and patented several manipulation-proof combination lock designs for safes and file cabinets.

Life of a Locksmith
www.hawaiicommercialdoorrepair.com
Automotive Locksmith Tips: Car Key Replacement
www.transponderkeyshawaii.com

An automotive locksmith is your best friend when you’re having trouble with opening your car door or when you need to replace your car keys. On a daily basis, An auto locksmithwww.24hourtransponderkeyshonolulu.com deals with frustrated car owners who couldn’t open their car doors because they lost their keys or left them inside their locked cars.

Perhaps you were/ are one of those frustrated car owners and you’re just itching to know what to do to replace your keys. Plus, it wouldn’t be the worst thing to know how to prevent losing your keys next time. Well, most automotive locksmiths would tell you these things:

How to Prevent Losing Your Car Keys:

Car keys are among the most common things people misplace or lose – they’re prone to being lost mostly because they are small and we often use them and practically carry them anywhere; And partly because their owners are forgetful or careless. Either way, you must:

• Have a hook by the door where you can put your car keys – This way, you can immediately see your keys when you’re about to leave the house.

• Have a spare key in case of emergency – Duplicate your car keys before the inevitable event of losing it happens. You can put the extra key in safe keeping so the next time you lose your car key, you immediately have a back-up.

• Buy a key chain that you can attach to the waistband of your jeans – You can buy an elastic key chain in the department store and car accessories shop. These probably cost less than a dollar.

www.24hourlocksmithsinhonolulu.com

What to do when you lose your car keys:

• Find out the year, make and model of your car. This will be essential in replacing your car keys or re-programming your car’s electronic car system.

• Find your car’s VIN (Verification Identification Number) as this, too is important when you want to replace your keys.

• If you have an electronic lock system for your car, you might be able to find tutorial videos in how to reprogram your system, in order to open your car.

• If a DIY system reprogram doesn’t cut it, you might have to contact your car dealer to find out how to replace your car. You can also find out If your warranty applies to lost car keys.

• Go to the automotive locksmith.
www.transponderkeyshawaii.com
Most of the time, these people know how to reprogram car systems and duplicate your lost keys. You just have to provide whatever car information they need from you.

Our advice is to search different auto locksmiths in your area first because some locksmiths are more expensive than the others. Compare the prices as well as customer reviews about them before choosing, and when you’ve found one you’re comfortable with, contact them right away.

The life of a Locksmith

Monday, July 1, 2013

Wrong Apt opened by Security

Yesterday we get a Kahala emergency lockout call from one of our long time condominium clients.
When I arrived 7:30pm security guard welcomed me standing next to the condo
owner,  Sweet old lady the ripe old age of 89 years young.
We proceeded to the what we thought was the ladies apartment but after opening this door,
she quickly turned to the security guard and noticed we let her in the wrong apt? Duh.
Now I was confused if the security guard didnt know where she lived and she forgot which apt
she came from then what's next?
Of coarse we went back down to the security office where we met her 82 year old husband who was
there to report his wife missing?
Well they greeted each other and were so happy to be re-united!
Life of the Locksmith>
I

Keeping Your Promise with Clients!

Last week A client installed a chain link fence to protect the vehicles on their 1st floor parking garage. Of coarse it also consisted of 2 Pedestrian gates.
So our immediate solution was to install 2 heavy duty ADA approved lever lock sets to prevent free entry to outsiders.
This condominium just happened to be wired to a proprietary access key fob control for entry.
The job was scheduled by the Access Control Company that promised to run the conduit/wire and install the readers, but this company never showed up to start the job.
So when the property mgr. called to ask this company why have'nt they began work they promised to start ?
They claimed they couldn't because the locks were not installed first? Hahahahaha What a joke!
I went the following day to install the new lock sets last Saturday,
A whole week later they still have not completed the job?
So sad when professional's lose their integrity and do not keep their promises!
The morale to this story is...............................
Never make promises you can't keep with customers!

Death in the Air / Life as a Locksmith

The other day I was called to an emergency door opening at one of our Condominium Accounts, when I stepped off the elevator I smelled death in the air. So I quickly put on my special mask for these occasions. After picking the locks open. I began to push the door open as always but someones body was propped up against the door not allowing police to enter.
To make a long story short. 
When I found out who it was, I was taken back because it happened to be a former little league coach that I knew.
Love life- Hug your loved ones- Kiss them everyday and Thank God almighty you get to spend another day on this earth!
The day of a Locksmith!

Infant Locked In A Car with Pet Dog

Auto Lock out in Waikiki last night
When I arrived there was an infant 6 months old locked in the car with a Labrador Retriever locked inside with her.
Police had already surrounded the vehicle and attempting to open this 2011 Jeep Wrangler with a Slim Jim while having no success. 
All while this dog was being very raucous and protective.
Barking & growling in the front seat while the baby cried in the rear? 
As soon as I walked up to the vehicle the dog stopped barking & growling and the baby stopped crying!
As if they knew their Angel Savior had arrived.
I calmly opened the door and the dog jumped on me starting to lick my face as to say Mahalo ( thank u)?

The owner grabbed the dog while I reached in to get the baby.
The mom had tears of happiness and called me her Savior.
All the while GOD gave me the talent to do what I do!
Thank You God!
Life of a Locksmith!

Wife's Infidelity Lockout

Woke up to a late nite emergency lock out call in Makiki Hawaii.
When I arrived there was a Lady & a dude waiting for me.
So we went up in the elevator to open the apt.
I knelled down to pick the lock and got in swiftly.
The nice pretty lady lady asked me to wait while she went inside to get my $150 fee.
The door swoops open and the dude I saw waiting with the lady I just let in is running like hell as if there was a fire?
Suddenly another dude runs out in underwear's apparently chasing after this dude that went inside with the pretty lady.
Turns out this pretty lady was the guy in the underwear's wife.
He never went to work and she just got off work and was gonna do the nasty!
He came back after chasing this dude and tried giving me grief!
I told him I was just there to open the door not screw his wife so pay me for my services so I can get going!
The life of the Locksmith!