Keys copies

I am writing this entry as an emergency of  "You need to Know!". There is a phone app that can copy your keys with just sending a picture of your key, the phone app will produce a key copy and mail it to whoever request the key. The real danger here is as it is mentioned in this article by CBS46.com that anyone who takes a picture of your key can have the phone app reproduce a key copy! I am shock at how easy it is. Here is the link to the original article:

http://www.cbs46.com/story/26598458/locksmiths-worry-new-key-cutting-app-may-put-your-home-at-risk

So, what to do  you do to keep your place safe? My number one recommendation is get a Mul-T-Lock cylinder in your lock. This is the only type of key that someone won't be able to reproduce with a key copy or a picture. Mul-T-Lock keys have a higher level of restriction and security.  Be aware when you call a locksmith that you are given a real Mul-T-Lock, not a fake one. A real one will say Mul-T-Lock on the key and the cylinder.

Next, is the obvious. If you are handing in your keys to anyone like a car wash, mechanic, parking agent or to anyone who has to have your key, take off your home/apartment keys from the key holder, so they won't have access to your home/apartment keys and take a picture of it.

Do not take your personal security and safety for granted, so many people have a false sense of security that is painful to know.

Have a safe day !

Aura

A Hole In Your Key...Oh No !

Making a hole in your Car/Motorcycle/Truck key is the worst thing you can do. If it is a Transponder key, you will damage the key's Transponder and you won't be able to start your vehicle.  Most keys, even some new motorcycles and trucks key have a Transponder chip which is what sends the signal to the Engine Module to start the car. It is a anti-theft system that comes is most cars/vehicles. Many people don't even know that their keys have a transponder key. The Transponder is inside of the key and most are not visible to the eye.

Making a key copy from a Transponder key is easy, if it is done by a professional locksmith. When you loose or damage your Transponder key, creating a new key takes a bit more work and it's more costly too.

This picture shows the damage done to a Transponder key, the owner drilled a hole and broke/damaged the transponder inside of the key, therefore, the keys is defective and will not start the car:

The top head hook of the key broke, so I guess he made the hole to put the key in the key ring, causing damage to the Transponder key at the same time.

The Transponder chip is so small and varies in size and position from car to car. Different types of cars have different types of chips and sizes.  Transponders chips are not compatible with different cars, each car year and model has a specific type of transponder chip.

For that reason, I also do not recommend people to buy Transponder keys on the internet like on Ebay. It has a small price tag, but for most of the times, the keys do not work or do not program. Sometimes, these key blades are not even in the right side or thickness and when cut, it won't work.

Get your keys from a dealer or a professional Locksmith.

If you want more information on Locksmith, Locks, key, Transponder keys  and more, you may visit my page and keep up with updated information at:

www.facebook.com/empirelockny

Take care, 

Aura

Change your Cylinder and get a Deadbolt !!!

Welcome to my new Locksmith blog where I want to share a LOT of important information about Locksmith, Locks, Keys and security because seriously,  peace of mind has no price !

So you just moved into that great apartment in a great neighborhood and just as you are settling you come home to find out that you laptop and most valuable items are gone, you had a break in your apartment !... It happens more than what it is reported and more than what you think of. If you have thousands worth of items in personal belongings, seriously Dude or Missy, the first thing you must invest is in a good Cylinder  and a Deadbolt ( if you don' have one).


Never take security for granted. Don't learn this the hard way. When you moved into that new apartment, most likely the Landlord did not change the cylinder, which means, the previous tenants and his/her friends and family might have a key to your new furnished apartment.

So now you know, when you move into a new place, get a new cylinder. If you want to step up security a bit higher, go for the Interactive Mul-T-Lock. This are the highest secured cylinders, with a restricted keyway that you can only make a key copy if you have the Interactive Mul-T-Lock card. If you do decide to get a Mul-T-Lock, make sure it is a real one, It must say Mul-T-Lock on the cylinder. When you move out, you can take your Mul-T-Lock cylinder with you. You never loose your money or belongings with this type of cylinder. Yeah, yeah, there are fake Mul-T-Locks out there that are not as secured as the real original Interactive Mul-T-lock. So now you know it!


The Deadbolt, it prevents the crooks from using objects to open your door, the best and most recommended one is the Jimmy Proof Deadbolt, you can also get this with a Mul-T-Lock cylinder.


The reason for me to Not like the use of regular cylinders is because anyone who gets a hand on your keys can make a key copy of it, and regular cylinders can be Picked open or Bump open. And if you need to know what that means, go on youtube and check how easy it is to open a lock with a regular cylinder by shimming the door, picking the cylinder or bumping the cylinder.


Hey, by no means I am trying to scared you, I am just sharing important information that I think you must be aware of, because peace of mind has no price !


Check my Facebook page for more information and updates about Locksmith and Security at:
https://www.facebook.com/empirelockny

And if you liked my blog, please pass it along, you never know who you might be helping out there.

Have a safe day !
Aura