Category Archives: Security

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.

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.

Five tips to protect your home while on vacation

protect your CT homeSummer time is vacation time and families look forward to spending time away and relax. Unfortunately empty houses present an opportunity for burglaries.

Here are 5 tips to help prevent break-ins.

  1. Good locks are essential. About 80 percent of break-ins happen because the burglar knows which locks to pick and which doors to kick in. A deadbolt lock is a good option for most residential dwellings.
  2. Get a security system. Just having the sign in the yard can be a ‘red flag’ for burglars who are checking the neighborhood for easy targets.
  3. Timers are a great option if you are going on vacation. With a timer the lights and the television can automatically be turned on so it appears someone is home. A dark house is an easy target for break-ins.
  4. Hide spare keys well. Don’t put them in obvious places, like under the door mat, close to the door the key belongs to, or in the flower pot.
  5. Stop mail and newspaper delivery. An overflowing mail box and newspapers piled up high by the front door are an open invitation to a burglar.

Need new locks to protect your family? Contact Jim Arsenault, your CT Professional Locksmith, or call him at 860-678-9797.

Combination safes, protection for home and office

SafeHow to keep valuables protected can be a concern for home and business owners alike. With personal documents, valuable jewelry or heirlooms at risk of being destroyed in a fire or being stolen it makes sense to have a safe installed in a residential home and is a must for a business. There are a variety of safes available with different security levels and locking mechanisms, from dual locking, key together with electronic, key and combination, or combination plus electronic digital entry locks.

For businesses it’s essential to use a safe to protect sensitive information as well as cash that’s kept on the premises, making it difficult for a disgruntled employee to damage business records or steal assets. Combination or digital entry safes are the most secure for commercial use since there are no keys to lose or steal. Combination or electronic access locks provide an extra level of security because the door-lock combination or digital electronic safe combination can be changed whenever needed.

Depending on the type of safe installed, it can also offer protection from fires, making it an excellent investment for a home or business.

Do you need your home or office safe combination changed? Email Jim Arsenault or give him a call at 860-678-9797. Jim is a CT licensed Master Locksmith with over 30 years experience.