CP
College Point Locksmith Team
📁 Tips & Advice

Home security starts with understanding the basics of lock safety and knowing when to call a professional. Whether you've just moved into a new home in Flushing or you're looking to upgrade your current security setup, these locksmith safety tips will help protect your family and property. At College Point Locksmith, we've seen countless security issues that could have been prevented with proper knowledge and maintenance. Let's explore the essential locksmith safety practices every homeowner should implement.

Upgrade to High-Security Locks

Not all locks are created equal, and the standard locks that come with most homes often provide minimal security. If you're still using basic builder-grade locks, it's time for an upgrade.

Recommended lock types for maximum security:

  • Deadbolts with at least 1-inch throws - These provide superior resistance against forced entry
  • Grade 1 ANSI-rated locks - The highest residential security rating available
  • Smart locks with encryption - Modern technology that allows remote monitoring and access control
  • High-security cylinder locks - Feature pick-resistant and drill-resistant mechanisms
When selecting new locks for your Flushing home, consider your specific needs. Front and back doors should always have deadbolts in addition to handle locks. For sliding doors, invest in secondary security bars or foot locks that prevent the door from being forced open or lifted off its track.

Rekey or Replace Locks After Moving In

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One of the most critical yet overlooked safety tips is rekeying or replacing locks when you move into a new home. You have no way of knowing how many copies of the previous keys exist or who might have access to them.

Who might have copies of your keys:

  • Previous homeowners and their family members
  • Former tenants or renters
  • Contractors and service workers
  • Real estate agents
  • Neighbors or friends of previous occupants
Rekeying is often more cost-effective than full lock replacement and can be completed quickly by a professional locksmith. This process changes the internal pins of the lock cylinder, making old keys useless while keeping the existing hardware. At College Point Locksmith, we recommend rekeying within the first week of moving into your new College Point or Flushing home.

Keep Spare Keys Secure and Prevent Lockouts

How you manage your spare keys can either enhance your security or create vulnerabilities. Many homeowners make the mistake of hiding keys in obvious locations that burglars check first.

Never hide keys in these common spots:

  • Under doormats or flowerpots
  • Above door frames
  • Inside fake rocks near the entrance
  • Under garden decorations
  • In mailboxes
Better alternatives for spare key storage:
  • Give a spare to a trusted neighbor or family member nearby
  • Install a high-quality lockbox in a discreet location
  • Use a smart lock with keypad entry
  • Keep a spare in your wallet (for car or office, not home)
  • Store a key at your workplace in a secure location
If you do experience a lockout, resist the temptation to break a window or force entry yourself. These methods are dangerous, costly, and can damage your property. Instead, contact a licensed locksmith who can provide quick, non-destructive entry services.

Perform Regular Lock Maintenance

Locks are mechanical devices that require periodic maintenance to function properly. A well-maintained lock is less likely to fail when you need it most and will last significantly longer.

Essential lock maintenance tasks:

  • Lubricate locks twice yearly - Use graphite powder or silicone-based lubricant, never WD-40 which attracts dirt
  • Tighten loose screws - Check strike plates and lock hardware quarterly
  • Clean keyways - Remove debris and dust buildup with compressed air
  • Test lock function - Ensure smooth operation from both inside and outside
  • Check door alignment - Misaligned doors cause lock strain and premature wear
If you notice your key sticking, the lock becoming difficult to turn, or any unusual resistance, don't ignore these warning signs. These symptoms often indicate internal wear or damage that requires professional attention before the lock fails completely.

How to Check if a Locksmith is Legitimate

Unfortunately, the locksmith industry has its share of scammers who prey on people in emergency situations. Knowing how to verify a locksmith's legitimacy protects you from fraud and ensures quality service.

Red flags to watch for:

  • No physical business address or local presence
  • Unmarked vehicles without company branding
  • Quotes that dramatically increase upon arrival
  • Insistence on drilling or replacing instead of picking
  • Cash-only payment demands
  • Refusal to provide identification or licensing information
How to verify a trusted locksmith:
  • Check for a physical storefront in your area (College Point Locksmith is located at 11-75 129th St, Flushing, NY)
  • Verify licensing and insurance coverage
  • Read online reviews and check Better Business Bureau ratings
  • Ask for identification when the technician arrives
  • Get written estimates before work begins
  • Ensure they arrive in a marked company vehicle

What Locks Do Police Recommend?

Law enforcement professionals consistently recommend specific security features based on crime prevention data. Police departments across Queens and New York generally advise:

  • Deadbolts on all exterior doors with at least a one-inch throw
  • Strike plates secured with 3-inch screws that reach the door frame studs
  • Peepholes or video doorbells for visitor identification
  • Window locks on all ground-floor and accessible windows
  • Motion-sensor lighting for entry points
  • Secondary locks on sliding glass doors
These recommendations are based on actual break-in patterns and prevention success rates. Burglars typically move on if they can't gain entry within a few minutes, so quality locks serve as effective deterrents.

Hire a Reliable Local Locksmith for Expert Advice

Establishing a relationship with a trusted local locksmith before you need emergency services provides peace of mind and ensures you're not scrambling during a crisis.

Benefits of working with a local locksmith:

  • Faster response times during emergencies
  • Personalized security assessments for your specific property
  • Ongoing maintenance and support relationships
  • Knowledge of local security concerns and crime patterns
  • Accountability through community presence
A professional locksmith can conduct a comprehensive security audit of your home, identifying vulnerabilities you might not notice. This proactive approach is far more effective than waiting until after a security incident occurs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth it to hire a locksmith?

Absolutely. Professional locksmiths possess specialized tools, training, and experience that prevent damage to your locks and doors. DIY attempts often result in broken locks, damaged doors, and ultimately higher costs. Licensed locksmiths also provide warranties on their work and ensure proper installation.

What skills does a locksmith need?

Professional locksmiths must understand mechanical systems, security protocols, and various lock technologies. They need manual dexterity, problem-solving abilities, and extensive knowledge of both traditional and electronic security systems. Reputable locksmiths complete ongoing training to stay current with evolving security technologies.

What locks can locksmiths not open?

While skilled locksmiths can open most locks, extremely high-security locks designed for government or military use, severely damaged locks, or locks with broken keys lodged inside may require drilling or replacement. However, these situations are rare in residential settings.

Protect Your Flushing Home Today

Implementing these locksmith safety tips significantly improves your home's security and protects your family. From upgrading to high-quality locks and maintaining them properly to establishing a relationship with a trusted local locksmith, each step contributes to a comprehensive security strategy.

Don't wait until you experience a break-in or lockout to address your home security needs. College Point Locksmith serves homeowners throughout Flushing, College Point, and the surrounding Queens neighborhoods with professional, reliable locksmith services. Whether you need lock rekeying, security upgrades, emergency lockout assistance, or a complete security assessment, our experienced team is ready to help.

Contact College Point Locksmith today for expert advice tailored to your home's specific security needs. Our local team understands the unique challenges facing Flushing homeowners and provides honest, professional service you can trust. Call us now to schedule your security consultation and take the first step toward better home protection.