Category Archives: CT Commercial Locksmith

Mortise locks for residential and commercial use

ML2000 Series mortise lockMortise locks are not the new kid on the block, they were installed into most interior and exterior doors from the late 19th to the mid-20th century. Because of their customizable appearance there has been a renewed interest in the use of mortise locks. Builders and architects use them for commercial and high-end residential properties.

Mortise locks can be integrated into the property owner’s decorating scheme. They can have cast knobs and levers, be ornate or modern looking and come in varying shapes and sizes. They also offer a high degree of security and functionality. Modern mortise locks are manufactured of stamped metal and have been improved with armored fronts and hardened bolts that offer protection against vandalism.

Have a question about mortise locks for your Connecticut residential or commercial property? Email Jim Arsenault or call him at 860-678-9797.

Happy Thanksgiving

We are always happy when Thanksgiving is coming as it gives us the opportunity to thank our wonderful customers and website visitors. We thank you all for allowing us to be of service to you. – Jim & Sharon Arsenault

thanksgiving

And after Thanksgiving don’t forget to support the many local small businesses that boost our economy. Small Business Saturday® is on November 24th. This day recognizes the importance of small businesses to the local economy and community, it is a day to celebrate businesses in your neighborhood.

What is Re-keying a Lock?

install new lockWhen to re-key or replace a lock for your Connecticut residential or commercial property.

Sometimes a home owner may feel it’s necessary to have a lock replaced. Maybe the lock has been damaged, or perhaps there are just too many keys out there that fit the lock and it poses a security risk.

Changing the lock is necessary when it has been damaged or it is in bad condition. But if you’re just concerned about the safety of your property it might not be necessary to replace the entire lock. A locksmith can “re-key” the lock, meaning he will make new keys for that lock and reset the lock mechanism to work with the new key instead of the old one. This will give you peace of mind if you have concerns about who has a key to your house. Re-keying will save you time and money.

If you replace more than one lock, you can have them keyed so that they all work with the same key. That way you can have the same key for the front and back door for example.

Not sure whether to re-key or change the lock? Email Jim or give him a call at
860-678-9797. Jim Arsenault is a Connecticut licensed Master Locksmith with over 30 years experience. He’ll re-key or install a new lock at your Connecticut home or business.

Can your phone unlock the office door?

smartphone keyComing soon to a smartphone near you.

Besides making phone calls and sending text messages, smartphones can also handle a lot of other tasks. Anything from taking a picture to online banking, or looking up directions when you’re out and about. Every day developers extend the functionality of smartphones with new mobile apps. A new application that is currently being tested in an enterprise setting will enable a smartphone to open doors.

HID Global®, located in California and an ASSA ABLOY Group brand, recently completed two pilot programs that demonstrate how Near Field Communication (NFC)-enabled devices can allow employees to conveniently open doors with a mobile phone without compromising security.

Participants in the pilot felt that the application for unlocking doors was inutuitive and easy to use. They also felt that the smartphone was more convenient to use than an access card, primarily because they never forget their phones like they do their badges.

The pilot programs provided valuable information on how a smartphone can be used in an enterprise setting to function as a keyless entry system.

Have a question about keyless entry systems for your Connecticut corporate office? Email Jim Arsenault or call him at 860-678-9797.

Locks, locks, and more locks…

Lock Museum of America…and some keys. If you’re an antique lock collector or a lock enthusiast we have a tip for you on where to spend a pleasant afternoon – the Lock Museum of America in Terryville, Connecticut.

The museum is housed across from the original site of the Eagle Lock Company (founded in 1854) and displays a vast collection of over 23,000 kinds of locks, the largest collection of colonial and antique locks in the United States. You’ll see locks manufactured by the Eagle Lock Company, Russwin, P & F Corbin, and the original patent model of the Mortise Cylinder Pin Tumbler Lock designed by Linus Yale in 1865. This type of lock is onsidered the greatest invention in lockmaking history and is still widely used today.

The displays are arranged over eight rooms and are sorted by company or theme. There are American locks and keys from the Colonial era and later, British locks, locks from banks and prisons, locks that date back to 1520, and a 4,000 year old Egyptian made pin tumbler lock.

To get more information visit the Lock Museum of America’s web site: www.lockmuseumofamerica.org

Jim Arsenault is a Connecticut licensed Master Locksmith with over 30 years experience. He’ll repair or install a new lock at your Connecticut home or business. Email Jim or give him a call at 860-678-9797.