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Some facts you need to know about your “master key”
By Frank Fourchalk A master key is a key capable of operating several different locks, each lock being operated by its own separate key (change key). Many people think that they have a master key because they have one key … Continue reading →

Security measures as important as decor
By Frank Fourchalk Good security should be an essential factor when purchasing your new home. Buying decisions are quite often made on the size of kitchens or bathrooms with little consideration given to the importance of a good home security … Continue reading →

Inmate Shares Tips To Protect Homes From Thieves
By Angela Yingling SULLIVAN COUNTY, Tenn. — We found a man who knows a lot about break-ins and what burglars look for. He’s a convicted burglar serving time for his crime who offered some tips on how to keep yourself safe. It’s … Continue reading →

Security is the key to latch-key kids
By Frank Fourchalk With more and more mothers rejoining the work force and the number of single-parent families increasing, “latch-key kids” has become a household name. Because of this, parents must educate their children on the importance of staying safe … Continue reading →

Security bars increase your safety
By Frank Fourchalk It is estimated that 6 out of every 10 burglaries begin with entry through a window at the back of the house. Many burglaries are moments of opportunity created by simply easing wider an already open window. … Continue reading →

Secure your door locks and frames
By Frank Fourchalk In most cases it only takes and intruder a few seconds to force open a locked door. As a homeowner it is your responsibility to secure your home to a level at which you feel most comfortable. … Continue reading →

Securing your sliding glass doors
By Frank Fourchalk Check your sliding glass door to see if it has an actual lock on it. Sliding glass doors usually do not have locks on them, only latches. These latches are usually made of soft aluminum or cast … Continue reading →

Secure your door locks and frames
By Frank FourchalkIn most cases it only takes and intruder a few seconds to force open a locked door. As a homeowner it is your responsibility to secure your home to a level at which you feel most comfortable. You … Continue reading →

Removable thumb turn for security and fire safety
By Frank Fourchalk Question: My husband and I own a store-front business. We have a commercial glass door with a key on the inside as well as the outside for security reasons. The fire department recently did a fire inspection … Continue reading →

Rekey locks instead of replacing them
By Frank Fourchalk Question: I changed the locks on my home by purchasing all new deadbolts and replaced every lock. My neighbor informed me that I didn’t need to buy new locks. He told me a locksmith can somehow change … Continue reading →

Keys cut won’t fit door lock
By Frank Fourchalk Question: I had a key cut for my home at the hardware store. When I tried it in my lock, it didn’t work. I went back and had another key cut, with the same result. Why can’t … Continue reading →

Key Issues On Your Security
By Frank Fourchalk Last week I had the pleasure of running into Ron Cole an old locksmith friend of mine. I’m sure many of you remember Ron when he owned and operated “Coles Locksmith” for many years on the Peninsula. … Continue reading →

Keeping thieves away from family heirlooms
By Frank Fourchalk You must have a back-up plan to protect your irreplaceable possessions, should a burglar manage to penetrate your existing security. All too often an evening ends with the discovery of missing heirloom jewelry. Stolen replaceable items are … Continue reading →

Invisible Security
By Frank Fourchalk Meeting with dealer representatives is always exiting, especially when they offer a unique product that leaves a lasting impression. Then again anything that offers bulletand bomb resistance is sure to grab my attention. I’m talking about my … Continue reading →

Intermittent lock problems
By Frank FourchalkQuestion: I have a very unusual problem with my apartment lock. Sometimes it locks and unlocks smoothly and other times I can hardly open my door. What causes this strange problem? Fourchalk: Check to see if the lock … Continue reading →

How to change a powerbolt combination
By Frank Fourchalk Question: I have purchased a new home that has a Weiser Powerbolt on the front door. To enter through this door, I just punch in a code number. It is very handy not having to use a … Continue reading →

Door chains hold weak link to home security
By Frank Fourchalk Ever since the first mechanical wood locks were born some 4000 years ago in Egypt, we have been on a steady mission to improve lock technology. In to-day’s world we would no sooner consider installing a 4000 … Continue reading →

Don’t let cleaners clean you out
By Frank Fourchalk Question: We have recently hired a cleaning company to clean our home once a week while we are at work. We gave them a key to our home because we couldn’t be there at the time when … Continue reading →

Differing keys a problem
By Frank FourchalkQuestion: I rent my apartment and have just discovered that my apartment key fits my friend’s apartment that lives in the same building. We compared our two keys and they look different. How can this happen? Fourchalk: This … Continue reading →

Demographics indicate increase in crime ahead
By Frank Fourchalk There’s a segment of our population that has become more evident than ever before. Seeing these individuals lying on bus stop benches, pushing their worldly possessions in rusty old shopping carts or sleeping in their car is … Continue reading →

Cutting keys for a high-security deadbolt
By Frank Fourchalk Question: My mother has a Mul-T-Lock high-security deadbolt in her front door. She would like to have another key cut, however, she is not well enough to go up to the locksmith. Can I get a key … Continue reading →

Categorizing a burglar
By Frank Fourchalk The dictionary defines a burglar as, “A thief who enters a building with intent to steal.” I prefer to define a burglar as, “Quite often the person or persons you’d least expect to steal from you.” Unfortunately, … Continue reading →

Can my keys be copied?
By Frank FourchalkQuestion: If I have “Do Not Copy” stamped on my key, does that mean it can not be copied? Fourchalk: “Do Not Copy” in most cases is nothing more that a polite request to the holder of the … Continue reading →

Builder’s Deficiencies are Homeowners Risks
By Frank Fourchalk Don’t risk you and your families safety because your home builder doesn’t know anything about proper lock installation. It’s become common place discovering locks that are not installed properly in many new homes.The problem starts when a … Continue reading →

Breaking into the housing market
By Frank Fourchalk First time home owners are not the only people breaking into the housing market. Housebreakers of a different kind are capitalizing on the security shortcomings of home owners to make their mark on crime. The ever-growing fault … Continue reading →

Apartment security can be confusing
By Frank Fourchalk Question: I am new to apartment living and want to make my unit more secure. I have looked at other people’s doors and everybody seems to have a different idea on how to secure their apartment. I … Continue reading →

Apartment security begins with good communication
By Frank Fourchalk Limiting risk to apartment complexes starts with communication. Apartment security hinges on the lines of communication being open between each and every owner. I recently attended a break-in at an apartment building and while repairing the damage, … Continue reading →

Apartment intruders entering through front door
By Frank Fourchalk Question: Our apartment building has had three break-ins in three months. The intruders seem to be coming in through the front door. After our second break-in the strata council voted to install a 12-inch blocker plate on … Continue reading →

Anti-theft Screws
  By Frank Fourchalk Question: I would like to replace my lock on my back door, but I can’t get it off. It has a weird type of screw holding it onto the door. How can I get it off … Continue reading →

Off the Wall’ Approach to Graffiti
By Frank Fourchalk I never gave much thought to graffiti in the past. However lately I  have seen more evidence of this senseless crime surfacing around our  community. Graffiti for the most part is the marking, drawing or  etching of … Continue reading →

Always keep inventory of your possessions updated
By Frank Fourchalk As a security consultant, covering all aspects of home and business  security is my business. Unfortunately, dealing with victims of break  and enters is not my favorite part. However, I usually turn a negative into a positive … Continue reading →

Access to Master Keys
By Frank Fourchalk Question: Is it true that locksmiths have access to master keys that will open any door in any home? Fourchalk: No. That’s an old wives’ tale. The only way to open  doors is by either picking a … Continue reading →

10 home security tips to keep your children safe
By Frank Fourchalk After several e-mails from concerned parents, I have created what I feel are the 10 most important home security tips to teach your children. Please review this list with your youngsters and make sure they understand each … Continue reading →