Electronic Locks

Key-less entry locks have become very popular in recent year especially for residential applications. They are very convenient to use and eliminate the need to manage more keys. In addition, they are an upgrade in the level of security over the traditional key-in-knob type of locks. There are many types of key-less entry locks in the market where each can be suited to any type of residential security needs.

A key-less entry lock that comes in a form of magnetic lock mechanism is actually considered to be an electronic lock. An electromagnet that is incorporated with the lock system will normally be mounted on the door frame where a magnetic armature will be mounted on the actual door. These types of magnetic locks are very reliable and can withstand most intruder methods from breaking inside your home. The downside with this lock is the fact that it would need to be unlock when getting in and coming out.

A stand alone electronic lock system is another good example of a different type of key-less entry lock. With this lock, the electronic control system would be incorporated directly to the lock . These types of locks can normally be found as a combination type key-less entry locks where a keypad is being used in order to enter a unique code by the user in which then it will send a signal in the system to retract the locking mechanism. The advantage of these types of locks is the fact that it will lock itself automatically once the door is closed.

What happen if you want to replace the current locks with key-less entry types and you are worried about modifications that may need to be done for the door? Most key-less entry electronic locks do not require any extra modification to the door. Most traditional locks such as cylinder and Mortise types can be replaced with similar type key-less entry locks with electronic mechanisms without having to further dig into the door. The locks should be a perfect fit with the addition of a small hole modification to get the electrical wires through and fit a power transfer hinge which will be the recipient of a signal coming to lock or unlock the door.

For more information about electronic type locks, visit Premier NorthWest Locksmith Seattle.

Mortise Lockout

Mortise type lock-sets has been in used for residential and commercial applications for many years. Most locksmith technicians should have experience working with these types locks as they are very popular form of security for most small businesses including some residential homes. What makes these types of locks popular is the complex mechanism Incorporated in them to prevent unwanted intruders from gaining access. Some of the time, even the average locksmith technician will have some issued unlocking these types of Mortise locks.

Years ago when I first started getting into the locksmith business, I remember getting a call from a store owner in the area that misplaced his keys to the store and had no other way to get in. I didn't have much experience back then working on commercial locks, but I figured a lockout shouldn't be that a big of a deal. I got the customer's store address and started heading its way.

Once I got to the store, I noticed it was part of a building which seemed to be secure without any other way to get in. The store itself was equipped with a thick glass front door that had a Mortise type lock. Luckily, I had with me a specific Mortise cylinder pick tool set that I've used before on a residential type Mortise locks with success.

After getting the tools from my van, I immediately started working on the lock by picking it which tool longer than I expected. After about 15 minutes I finally gave up and decided to call for help. Luckily, I knew another Seattle locksmith in the area which had much more experience than I did. When I got him on the phone and told him the story, he said that the the lock must had a block at the end of the key-way which may cause issues with picking. However, he did say there was another way which involved drilling through the cylinder without damaging it. According to him, I needed to drill a small hole to the right of the key-way which will get through the screw set that were holding the lock, but without damaging the threads.

I followed my technician friend using his exact instructions for the process and I was able to remove the cylinder which in turn unlocked the door. Since i didn't want to take any chances, I went ahead and replaced the cylinder with another one even though it was still usable.  

Mortise Lock

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Mortise Lock Cylinder Removal

Mortise cylinder locks are held in place by a set screw in die edge of the door. From my previous experience as a locksmith technicians, sometimes, it's hard to get at this set screw unless the door is open. If the set screw is to be removed, the cylinder can be unscrewed from the outside by using a pair of slip joint pliers. 

There is usually a thin ring between the cylinder and the door that can be easily pried off with a screwdriver that will give you a better hold on the cylinder. With the pliers, you will have to get a good grip on the cylinder and turn it counter clockwise. The cylinder will screw out and with a screwdriver you can access and push the latch bolt back. 

Unfortunately, removing the cylinder with this method will strip the threads, and a new cylinder would need to be installed. Sometimes if the crack in the door is wide enough, like many older doors designs, a small piece of spring steel can be used and bent on the right angle of approximately 1/8" on one end, and use it to loosen the retainer screw. This will prevent from the threads on the cylinder to be stripped.

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